No Expectations Whatsoever
In six weeks I will walk out onto a stage in Indy for my first contest. At age 62 and less than 3 years of training, I have no expectations of winning, even my 60+ division. I have never participated in a sporting contest and had any expectations of winning. Mine is always to test myself against the course and the field. If I have prepared properly and exert total effort then I can only do the best that I can do. I have no control over judges opinion, or the quality of the other participants.
I could win a trophy and feel like I lost, or finish last and feel like a total winner. I don’t expect too many who read this to understand completely, but if the measure of a winner is only the one who tops the field and hoists the trophy overhead, then the world is entirely filled with losers, save an elite group. Not being in the elite group does not relegate the rest of us to worthlessness, but rather to a strong band of participants who relish the challenge and the victory one gets from the competition itself.
Usually a victory easily won is a victory easily taken for granted or quickly forgotten. The ones seasoned with blood, sweat, and tears are the most satisfying and richly remembered.
August 17, 2009 at 1:07 pm
You are incredible!!! I think its truely amazing and inspiring that you are getting on stage….you are a winner, now rock that stage like one
August 17, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Understood completely. I agree w/ nic and that you are already victorious for preparing yourself for this and actually walking out on stage…the changes you have made to your body and mind all makes you a winner. All the best in the next 6 wks.
August 18, 2009 at 5:43 am
Thank you both for your kind words of encouragement.
August 18, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Absolutely ditto. You are a winner. And a great friend to support me and so many otghers on your way. thanks for the reminder about how to score winning. How’s the routine coming along?
August 18, 2009 at 3:10 pm
And this picture is your basement workout room?
August 18, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Boy don’t I wish I had a workout area like the one pictured right now! No this was taken at a Marriott Inn w.o. room a year ago. My workout room is pictured in my gallery. It is my unheated/ un-airconditioned garage. It was a humid 101degrees in there today…Don’take long to sweat..lol
August 18, 2009 at 3:40 pm
I not only understand but i must thank you for being an living example of what drive and determination looks like. you are living proof that no matter the age and you don’t look 62 at all, but if its in your heart to do it then by all means go after it. The winning is in the doing and you sir are a winner to me.