About a little over a year ago I ran in a race that may have looked to be my last race ever. Not the way I wanted to end my career but I said to myself then that I was satisfied because of what I had accomplished pretty quietly as an athlete in an event that I was always a contender in. However, although I accomplished a lot there were things that I just didn't get the chance to do that I wanted to. For instance...run sub 46 in the open 400m (which I know is a surprise that I didn't) yet I split 44 high on lead off leg of a few 4x400 relays and show my short sprint speed. I did run 6.7 for 60m with no speed work and oh yeah in 2001 I was part of a 38 second 4x100.
With all the things that I did and didn't do, there are many more things that I feel define me more then anything. I enjoyed many more things in life then track and field even when I was performing on an outstanding level. Things like flag football, basketball, playing video games, spending time with my kids, advising and coaching all seemed to give me a better feeling inside then running track ever did. Is that a bad thing?
I guess I looked at track and field as a job and not something to have fun doing. I took it serious as anyone with a "job" should. I honestly feel like taking a year off from track helped me understand ME quite a bit better. Imagine having to base everything you do around what it is you are doing for a living. There is plenty that you would miss out on. I now have had the chance to see what it feels like to know that I can go to work, make a living and then when I am done...Do whatever the hell I feel like doing and no worry about anything. It's such a lovely feeling!
I will compete in track and field again in the future but to me there is no feeling like feeling free to do whatever you have interest in doing at the time it comes to mind. I have no regrets on anything that I did cause I learn from everything and what I have learned in the past 10 years is this...Live today & worry about tomorrow when tomorrow comes.
1 comment:
A nice piece of commentary James. Myself, I've had to good fortune of competing on the elite stage but it was done after getting into the line of work I've found to be another passion of mine. Coaching others chase the dream on the college level. My competing has been purely for the love of it and earn a few dollars doing it.
I definitely can see and witness the other side of it that can turn it sour quickly.
Great share, now lace em up and continue the chase at your pace.
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