The best feeling ever???

I heard a commercial yesterday that dovetails into my issue about how too many amateur athletes have their head up their ass when it comes to priorities.  It had some athlete on saying how winning was “the best feeling ever”.  Really? That’s the best feeling you’ve ever had?  While I admire your achievement, I kind of feel a bit sorry for you. 

It’s one thing if you are a pro or elite level amateur (collegiate or Olympic).  Then this is your career and some level of obsession is expected.  Plus there are going to be opportunities (gold medal, national championships, etc.) that are truly life changing.  But if you’re a weekend warrior in your 30’s or 40’s with a spouse and kids and think “winning” is source of the best feelings you can get, maybe it’s time to think about your life a bit.  I guess it shouldn’t surprise me that sports based on individual achievement tend to breed ego and balance problems, but it still does confuse me.  I will admit I don’t understand how someone can build a life with someone that they love and then say something is as important (if not more important) than that partnership.  And I’m sure their partner is wondering the same thing.  As for partners, I have not spoken to my wife about this one, but I want to hear her take on this.  This may be a good place for an “athlete’s perspective” post.

The best feeling ever?  I could think of several times the feelings you have should be better in a healthy relationship. 

• The moment when you realize “This is the person I want to spend the rest of my life with.”
• Waking up together the first time as Husband and Wife.
• Finding out you are going to be a Dad or Mom.
• The birth of a child.
• Your child starting school.

That’s just a starter list.  I could go on for a couple of pages.  And that’s just the big things.  The little moments are what make a life together.  I often wonder if some of these athletes even think about what they miss or lose and what they’ll look back on 20-30 years from now.  Will it be “I had some great workouts and races.  I won!”  Or will it be “How many chances with my family did I waste?”

I have a long drive with Kimee in a few days.  I’ll use the time to get her point of view on this one.  We’ll let you know how that goes.

Talk to you later.

Dave