Saturday, March 12, 2011

Stories of the Everyday Person

Initially, I wrote ‘Everyday Man’ and realized that it could be construed as being politically incorrect. I find it annoying that these standards of communication are not universal, nor serve their purpose in people openly expressing themselves. Instead, we continue to hide behind phrases and find excuses to keep quiet. I find it sad that we are perceived as being unassertive and non-opinionated.

Many of our readers are Everyday People. The person on the street! However, you may be hiding your other identity of the Weekend Warrior, or Elite Age-Grouper. If you show up to support, next Sunday’s Aviva Singapore 70.3 Ironman Triathlon will feature many of these participants: weekend versions of G.I Joes and G.I. Janes: their aliases being numbers in bold typeface, and swimming, riding and running to their own sense of achievements. Those who stand on the podium will have a shot at competing in the 70.3 World Championships in September in the new venue: Las Vegas.

How would you feel if you are requested to share your experiences and skills of your hobbies? Most of us excel in our hobbies, since these are stoked by our passion and effort. Even if you have not won a prize in competition, does that limit you from spreading your passion and ‘paying it forward’ to others? Will you listen closely to a natural and talented athlete, as you will somebody like yourself with similar goals and beginnings? If Mr Everyday Person succeeds and exceeds, why not pay heed to her?

In endurance sports, there are the elite age-groupers, and the elitist groups. Instead of being disenchanted about them, what about joining them or enlisting their expertise? I am sure that they would enjoy the recognition. Train with the best, and compete with the best. Go long. Go strong.

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