3 Reasons Why We Should Embrace Competition as a Life Lesson.

When it comes to reflection — One thing leads to another.

As I was hanging my running socks to dry and removing the gravel from my running shoes this morning, I was suddenly brought back into my memory lane.

It was a deep memory formed 6 years ago.

In 2014, I entered my first Triathlon Championships in the non-elite, relay category. Well, that means we do not get the lion’s share of the prize money even if we do win. Actually, we didn’t. We didn’t race ourselves to the podium either. I was the runner in the team and by the time I saw the back of that guy running in 3rd place — I ran out of real estate. He finished 20 seconds ahead of me.

As I was licking my mental wounds, I started thinking.

“Hey, I actually enjoy this stuff.”

I started reflecting and was convinced that my team and would have a legit shot at the podium the next year. I have my eyes standing on top of the podium.

For some reason — That mental imaginary became the single strongest driving force during my high intensity training sessions from 2014 to 2015. Lap after lap in the track was fuelled by that elusive trophy and 1st position at the National Championship level.

For that entire year, even when I wasn’t training — I lived, breathed and ate physical and competition excellence. I also convinced my relay partners that we have to move from Sprint to Olympic distance (2 times longer than Sprint) so when it comes down to the footrace, I have enough real estate to play Pacman.

1st Lesson — I realised that a goal that is strongly desired does wonders. It brings forth voluntary daily commitment and directed actions no matter how lethargic we are.

When National Championships swung by again in 2015, I felt like a caged lion ready to go.

The memory of that day was vivid.

My swimmer finished second out of the water and the biker finished in 7th position overall before the footrace. The moment he hopped off the bike — I was thrilled. I knew we have a chance.

It was close to 12 noon when the run leg started. When I took the timing chip and sprinted away from “Transition 2” (also known lovingly as “T2” to Triathlon athletes), I knew that anything could happen when we are red-lining ourselves under the sweltering heat. I moved up the ranks rather quickly within the first 20 minutes, swallowing and ditching those running ahead of me one by one. By the 5km mark, I was in 4th and in the hunt for 3rd.

At the midway turning point, my team member shouted “1 minute to 3rd place!”.

I looked at my watch and tried to compute how much faster do I have to kill myself to pass for 3rd place. I realised that I couldn’t count anymore and I started feeling the impact of the afternoon heat. I just kept my legs in their fastest possible forward turnover pace while keeping my eyes on the lookout for the person in 3rd place.

Just so suddenly, I realised that the 7km marker went past.

There is no one in front of me.

I had serious self-doubts in terms of achieving my goals and I was entering some deep dark place. I figured after the race that I could be hit with a mild heat stroke. What kept me going was my extreme focus. I wanted to stand atop all worthy competitors.

By the 8km marker, I stopped at the water point and took 2 cups of isotonic drinks. I drank slowly. I walked a little. I started realising that I was drenched by my own sweat fountain under the hot Sun. I was that close to giving up altogether.

In that brief moment, I heard something.

“Tough times don’t last, Tough men do.”

2nd Lesson — When we really want something so badly, we will hang on when the going gets extremely tough.

As if the chant repeated for the umpteenth time, I started running again. This time, I was on a different operational mode.

“Aldric, nothing good comes easy. You have to kill yourself for it. Do it.”

I went ahead to push the self-destruction button and ran as fast as my endurance level allowed me to for the final 2km.

As if I have been bestowed a stroke of luck, I heard from the crowd that the person originally in 3rd place has dropped out due to the heat. Then by 9km, I finally saw my fellow competitor running in 2nd position.

“Let’s perish today” was all I could think of.

I picked up my pace and I think I was running the final kilometre at 3 minutes 45 seconds per km. It was the final 400 meters when I passed for 2nd place where we raced for the finish line. Every step and every half inch of advantage matters now.

I ditched him at the final meters and crossed the line in 2nd place.

I collapsed and crawled to the side. The 3rd place collapsed as well. We shook hands at prone position.

3rd Lesson — When we give our all and still fall short, we still celebrate what we have achieved. Disappointments evaporate and achievements hang around. Especially hard-fought ones.

It was a worthy competition and a beautiful day.

And I look forward to do that again.

Related Stories by the Author.

About the Author:

As a Consultant by training, I believe in making the complex simple.

Because simplicity adds value.

Simplicity helps us gain clarity, and clarity helps us to grow.

And if we are not growing, then what’s the point of anything else?

What do you think about the article? Comment Below!

This is more about me as a Content Contributor on Medium.

Do reach out and say hi on Linkedin!