Character Question today:
My very first bike race ever, I raced against Pamela Schuster. She was a Category 1 bike racer competing at the top level of her sport. At the time, I was totally FREAKED out by this me- being the rookie who had never raced USCF- racing against a pro in the same race! This was 1995. She is still racing at the TOP level today. I just saw her out racing the other day. Her son just pedaled around on his own bike as she warmed up. She wins, too! Jennie Longo a longtime experienced cyclist who’s been competing at the top level since the early 80’s (a very FIERCE competitor) is still racing. Joan Benoit Samuelson, Dara Torres, and many many more are still competing at the top level and beating women half their age. I admire all women athletes that are pursuing their passion to the best of their ability. But, I’m curious about you…
We know how I love running races, cycling events and triathlons. Seriously competitive to my last breath. You all know this! I go for broke when I pin on a number. It’s just IN ME. What is THAT thing in me, in YOU, that makes us so fierce on the court- on a run, on a track, in any body building competition? What the difference between me and some of you that just enjoy being FIT and healthy? Or are we the same- pursuing our passion - whether you compete or not? Is it a pursuit of the challenge? Is it about your own performance and bettering it? Is it just plain fun?
I’d love to hear your answers!
6 responses so far ↓
1 MizFit // Aug 14, 2008 at 9:57 am
Im not a competitor. for some reason Im motivated to keep up my training w/out competing really for what you said above…the being FIT and healthy.
I like to FEEL as though I could crank out a half marathon without training (yes, being hyperbolic–you know what I mean) but dont.
now you SO have me mulling *what* gits me going!!
Ill be back.
MizFits last blog post..Guest Chef Time!
2 Fit Mommy // Aug 14, 2008 at 12:33 pm
I guess this is why I asked it. Not sure what the answer is in me. With age, I race harder, train harder and eat better and I really do love to compete. It’s fun in a hurting kind of way.
3 Lance // Aug 14, 2008 at 4:01 pm
A challenge is a good way to look at it. Some of us challenge ourselves more internally, while others like the excitement of external challenges. Being fit (an internal challenge) is a challenge many take - myself included. I do it for me. To look good (that’s why I originally did it), and to feel good (that’s why I continue to do it). I also like the external challenges - the energy that comes from a competitive environment. That environment really gets me going, and helps me to kick it up a notch (not enough notches to win, mind you). So, then in addition to the competition, personal performance also comes into play.
Thats a long-winded answer…and I’m not sure I even answered your questions!
Lances last blog post..Maintenance, Do You Do It?
4 Fitarella // Aug 14, 2008 at 6:19 pm
I like to compete, but against myself. I am absolutely DRIVEN to do accomplish/complete things, but usually just to see if I can do it. Once I know I can do it, then it kind of loses it’s appeal to me and I’m on to something else. The one exception would have to be in my singing, that will NEVER lose its appeal
Fitarellas last blog post..BK’s Lower in fat Macaroni & Cheese
5 Mark Salinas // Aug 14, 2008 at 6:24 pm
I like the challenge that a healthy competition brings….maybe a bit competitive?
Mark Salinass last blog post..YOUR FAT-BURNING GAME PLAN
6 Lighting a fire in your kids’ brain // Aug 28, 2008 at 4:24 am
[...] We are all already motivated to be the best we can be and in a previous post, I examined the “Driven to compete” aspect in some of our natures but I wanted to switch gears today and examine the lives of children. [...]
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