Perspective

Triathletes all recognize that there are four disciplines in Triathlon; Swim, Bike, Run, and Nutrition. Well today, I finally put my finger on what I think is the fifth discipline, and that is Perspective.

Lately I've been reading fellow triathletes blogs and sites outlining their intense training schedules and regimens. I have to tell ya, some of them have scared the tar out of me as I am no where near a lot of them in regards to the level of training. This has really gotten me down and second guessing the whole pursuit of ironman this November, especially how today started out.

This morning I set out for a bike workout. While entering the 8th mile and clipping along at 23 miles per hour, for reasons still beyond my knowledge, I wiped out. This was the very first time in over 3 years that I crashed ...... and burned! I quickly picked up my bike and after a quick chain repair, I rode back to my starting point. Upon arrival back at the house, I began to triage my road rash, that COVERED my entire left side. Man am I sore! This really got me down as this very first injury has me sitting out of training for a few days.

Then after dropping my bike off at the Trek dealer, I began to have an uneasy feeling as the mechanic on duty began to make copious notes on the needed adjustments, etc. that he was observing. I can only imagine what this is going to cost, as I signed the service form and limped out of the store. This tidbit, coupled with the fact that I am in excruciating pain, just left me depressed.

About an hour later I learned that a Deputy Sheriff I worked the streets with for many years when Ii was a State Trooper, was killed in the line of duty today. He left behind a wife and five children, not to mention over two thousand coworkers in our county and the hundreds of other cops with the state and city agencies that worked side by side with him everyday.

Perspective. I quickly realized that my day was great, my problems are minimal, and I'll be getting up to run Monday morning since God created this machine and I must do it justice by cranking out the miles while I can, since today is simply a gift.

Keep it in perspective everyone ...

Rest in Peace Deputy Robbins