Different Stages, Different Continents but the Same Goals

It is late Sunday evening right in the middle of the Memorial Day Weekend. I wasn’t going to write a story today simply for the fact that it was late and I just didn’t feel like going into it. After some urging from my wife I have decided that I do have some things to write about. First and foremost was that I had a great date tonight with Michelle. We actually allowed ourselves to leave Polk County and have a nice dinner over in Orlando. The company was great and as always it was great to spend some time with Michelle. Once dinner was complete it was time for the drive home and the music that some people listen to you will give you a new perspective on the person you think you know. Thanks to Michelle for a great date and we really should do it again sooner than later. Earlier today after a quick 4 mile run I started the “best day in motorsports” with watching the Monaco Gran Prix. Watching the best at what they do on a circuit that shouldn’t handle cars at those speeds today is amazing. Walls are mere inches from the apexes of the corners and the streets fight the tires for grip at every revolution of the engine. The power and precision just gives me goose bumps. I intently listen to the song of the engines as their echo bounces off the Armco barrier. The scream of an F1 engine is just breathtaking. After an exhilarating finish it was time for the pre-race of the Indy 500. No matter what form of motorsports a racer is into there is an allure to the square oval with a yard of bricks at the start and finish line. Not many races get the hype the 500 receives. The stories of the drivers and their quest for immortality cannot be felt by listening to the stories. You must watch their eyes to feel the passion for this race. Last year’s champion was not there today. He died in a tragic crash at another track last year. The other racers paid respects for who he was and for what he achieved while racing. Then in a blink of an eye it got serious. They had an interview with his wife which included pictures and video of him with his children and wife. It hit me at that moment that we all are going to be gone in a blink of an eye. What we do and what impression we leave on those around us will be the way we are remembered. His wife noted that he was a great racecar driver but that whenever he was around everything else was better. That statement had nothing to do with his skills at 200+ mph but his times with his family and friends. His wife was at the track today. She didn’t hide; she embraced the responsibilities like the past champion would. She accepted his champion’s ring, she hung out in one of the pit boxes during the race, and after the race she was invited and accepted a ride in the pace car around the track with the new race winner. The best way to honor those not around anymore is to keep doing what it was you used to do. Don’t stop moving, don’t run away from what you know, just keep moving and learn to embrace the challenges the love of such danger poses. I felt for the widow today but was so moved by her resilience and the fact that so many honored her husband in such a spirited manner. Watching the races today made me have a couple of thoughts. Racing comes in many forms just like us. We like some forms and really don’t care for others. There are those moments that we put our differences aside and just appreciate what the other forms are capable of. Today on the world stage was one of those days. Racers love their brand of racing but appreciate the talent and skill that are required to do the other types. Racers also appreciate the risks associated with what they do. They all have fears but they push them out of the helmet when the face shield goes down and the lights turn green. Today’s workout was 2 x 2 mile runs. After each 2 miles I rested 5 minutes. For both runs I averaged 8:39 pace. The course was completely hilly with little to no flat areas. I felt very good on the runs today which may be the reason I enjoyed doing nothing much the rest of the day. Who says television can’t teach you things. I guess it just depends on what you watch.