For me, it’s a bit sad to to think that I might be remembered most for the life that has become mine now. This has been a couple of years in the making. Most of my sports career was as a positive and good team member. A few years ago, a little frustration set in as I started to struggle with something that was not yet diagnosed. I tried to remain a positive and enjoyable team member, but that was challenging. The end was not my best. My work-life was well respected for the things that I could be counted on to accomplish and the problems that I solved.
I feel that our work and social lives are a combination of positive interactions, where we provide value to the people around us, that occasionally get offset by the annoyances that we cause. People are more willing to accept the troubles, because of the good that you do and the benefits that you bring. When one ceases to bring benefit, one can sense the slow receding of the flag on the middle of the tug of war rope. Any respect is now in more of a historical sense. People’s interactions with you become based more on their desire to help others than a collaboration of equal professionals. I’m still giving life my best effort, but one finds themselves slowly falling outside of the spheres of relevance. I hope that people’s memories jump backwards a few years.
I really only spoke with you once – a rainy ride on the Katy on loop 4 of the Tour of Hermann gravel. I found in addition to Adventure Racing, we had UMR in common. Reading this blog, there’s much more than just the school that’s similar. Aside from Hermann, my memories are us Adventure Racing. I’m going as hard as I think is possible for the distance left and I can’t understand how a former college runner still young and in good shape (me) is losing to a team of four that look at least 10 years older (you) 🙂 I’ll also remember how you walked to every point in the woods as if you had placed it. For me, you will always be one of the faces of one of the teams that seemed nearly untouchable and inspired me to improve my craft.
LikeLiked by 1 person