Why settle??

We're constantly seeking out those things that make us happy.  We see things that "catch our eye" and we begin to want.  We want a lot.  We expect a lot.  We strive for our wants...sometimes much more than our needs.  If we spend so much time trying to achieve our happy homeostasis, then why, OH WHY do we settle for less than what we want??

I spent a great deal of my work day contemplating this very question.  Why settle?  I have watched handfuls of friends struggle with situations that are not compatible with the core of their being.  I am not without fault...I've settled for a lot of things in my past that LUCKILY molded me into the raging cougar you see before you ;)  I made a crapload of mistakes in my time...and learned from every single one.  I now know...I will not settle.

I know women who settle for douche bags that emotionally and/or physically abuse them.  I know men who settle for women who don't give respect when respect is due.  I watch my friends get cheated on and pretend that everything is ok.  I watch people give up their athletic endeavors because they say "I can't".  I watch people go to work every morning to a job they hate.  I see people get married for all the wrong reasons.  I see people stay married for all the wrong reasons.  I watch people get divorced for all the wrong reasons.  Why settle?

My job puts me in situations where I have no choice but to see the true bitch and beauty of this life.  I've seen people take their last breath, given the gift of life and brought back from near death.  I never actually realized how little time we get on this earth till my mother passed away.  It makes me strive to achieve my personal goals and keep my standard high.  It keeps me on task and helps me to be a better human.  We all want to be better humans, right? 

We all spend so much time focused on the future, we forget to live now.  We fail to enjoy what stands right in front of us.  We find it easier and less confrontational if we settle for something less than what we deserve.  Why?  Because it's easier.  Well guess what?  You want to lose weight?  Get off the couch.  You want a better relationship?  Go find one.  You suck at riding your bike?  Ride it more.  You hate your job?  Quit.  It's actually very simple.  Don't lower your standards.  Don't choose to do something you'd rather not because it's the easy way out.  HTFU and chase your dreams.  No one said this life was easy...and it's most definitely not.

Create your own destiny...don't suffocate in someone else's.  Life is all what you make it...so make it good.

It's not about the bike....but it is.

Well, it's been a while.  I pretty much fell off the face of the planet (and this blog) once I completed my first half marathon.  In my defense, I had a looooong summer ahead of me with paramedic school and clinicals...and I survived! 

I think I can count the number of runs I've had since the half on one hand.  Aside from not having the time, I lost the drive.  Nothing sucks more than losing your drive.  I didn't care.  To be honest, I still don't miss running all that much.  Luckily, I found something I like more...the bike.

I've  been riding the Surly that my brother built me for CX season.  I tried to rekindle my road bike spirits from my Boone days...they didn't answer.  Sooo, I had to start from scratch.  Not only did my fitness take a blow over the summer, but my mental state was in the crapper as well.  I sucked on the bike and my brain sucked me in.  I've been riding pretty consistently for about a month...and getting stronger.  It's hard work, but it beats the hell out of running and irritated IT bands.

Not only have I been riding the Surly, but I've been hitting the woods pretty hard on my mountain bike.  I'm motivated to get back into the best shape of my life and kick some ass while doing it.  I'm a pretty slow climber and I usually fall to the back of the group, but I don't stop trying (even if I want to).  I now remember why I bought that downhill bike...I LOVE TO GO DOWNHILL! 

I'm committed to being strong for cross and even more committed to stay out of my head.  The more miles I put on the bike, the stronger I'll become.  There will come a day when I have to wait on someone at the top of Buffalo...and I will wait...because I've been there.  There will come a day when I have to go back for someone on the trail...and I will go...because I've been there. 

Since I didn't get to compete in the Warriors triathlon, I signed up for the Barbaritos sprint triathlon in September.  I guess this means I have to put my running shoes back on?  What doesn't kill you makes your stronger...

It's not about the bike, but it totally is.