Deal With It
Categories: Sermons
I slipped a pedal, lapper took my line, chain skipped….. On and on it goes. At the end of every cyclocross race the list of excuses is endless. In the end the place you got is the place you deserve. Why did you wait til the last lap to attack? Why did you take that line? Because you did, now deal with it. You think the guy who beat you didn’t take bad lines or deal with lapped riders? A cyclocross race should be a series of linked recoveries. If you are not on the verge of crashing, blowing you wad or throwing up then you are giving a half assed effort and should probably take up golf.
Don’t get me wrong I fall in that lame victim trap too and I am grateful when people call me on it (did it yesterday in fact). I like to think I do it less than I used to when I was young and dumb(er). Don’t cheapen the effort of those who beat you. Celebrate their success, be happy they are making you raise your game. As you shake their hand, in the back of your mind you should be plotting how you will beat them next week. Ya, deal with it.
53:11
Well said Rev! Excuses are just an easy out. Get over it and get on with the chase, even if it means in the next race.
Yep, that has been my deal all year. “I refuse to let myself be a victim in my own life. Deal with it!”
Yep, I hear it alot in alot of different racing circles. My response; “shut-up and ride!” Said it to myself twice during yesterday’s debacle!
I too have fallen victim to the easy road of blame. I really like what you said about not cheapening the efforts of those who beat you. That is good stuff we should all adapt.
Now for a line from The Eagles….please don’t kill me!
“All your bitchin’ and moanin’ and throwin’ a fit! GET OVER IT!” – The Eagles http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMAv1n8ieWE
Respect thy competitors.
witness
Im diggin the posts on this site, it has a lot to do with personal responsibility, as does life. Shit happens in a race, shit happens in life; and just as the Rev said, you placed exactly where you were supposed to. I havent done a whole lot of racing yet but i realize ive made my share of excuses. Looking forward to the many lessons learned in getting my ass kicked next year.
Well said Rev….well said.