Personally, I think Forest Gump had it only partially right with the “Life is like a box of choc-o-lates” quote. Sure, it’s true that you don’t ever know exactly what you’re going to get–after all, even a cartographer (that’s a map maker–I looked it up) can’t reasonably be expected to decipher those little diagrams that come in the chocolate box. And, certainly life is full of surprises. It’s been said that life’s one certainty, is its uncertainty. I couldn’t agree more.
On the other hand, if you’re reaching your hand into a big box of yummy chocolate, do you really care what you’re gonna get? I mean, except for the yucky strawberry flavored ones; those are disgusting. But, everyone knows you just spit that kind right out, then reach for another. No harm, no foul. No reprecussions. Life’s not like that.
Clearly, the impending V-Day holiday and heavy training has me thinking a little too much about chocolate.
In between bouts of all out suffering on the “Wednesday Ride” (it’s a group ride that leaves @ 8:15 from Carlsbad Starbucks on a certain day of the week, just in case you’re in the area and looking for a tough one), I had the realization that in many ways, group riding is perhaps a better model for life. Here are my deep thoughts from the bike. . .
Life is like a group ride because:
>You never know exactly what you’re going to get, but it’s guaranteed to be friggin’ tough at times!
>We can accomplish much more, much faster with others than we can alone.
>Both hard work and smart decisions can really pay off.
>When you fall off the wagon, the best thing you can do is work your butt off to get back on as quickly as possible.
>Things will go more smoothly if you stay towards the front and pay attention.
>Nobody likes a jackass.
This all made sense and seemed rather profound at the time, but keep in mind that 99.8% of my blood was being shunted to my legs, and my heart rate was near it’s max. . .
Whether your life seems more like a group ride or a box of chocolates today (or better, still, a box of chocolates after a group ride!), make it sweet!
Great running with you, and I hope you are able to make it to the Wed. night run more often – we need someone out there to push the pace. I’ve heard of the famous Wednesday ride, but haven’t had the balls to show up to it. Love the chocolate analogy.