Zen and the Art of Speedskating

This is an image from last year’s Salt Lake City World Cup. The quiet before a start can be as deafening as the incredible noise once the gun goes off, and a crowd favorite takes the lead.

There were large crowds, from many demographic groups & age ranges, cheering loudly. For the athletes, these moments are what can define them in eyes & hearts, their own & others.

Short track is so unpredictable; every split second is an invitation to mayhem. I admire these athletes. To dare to defy gravity & physics, and win anyway, is amazing.

And even if you end up headfirst into the wall, the courage it takes to do this sport is as admirable. Especially when you know the odds.

I once saw a bumper sticker on a battered pickup that said:

Eight seconds in the ring is worth a lifetime in the stands

And that is what these athletes are facing; endless gutbusting hard work for a chance, for a few tiny moments when all eyes turn to this wild, icy bullride undertaken with machetes strapped to the feet.

So the world cup is happening today, and I am stuck at my desk at work (blogging on my lunch hour, in case any of my managers read this). Can you tell I wish I was there.

Short track is like daily life, surprising & unexpected mayhem, and courage courage courage!!!

Long track is like the arc of years, work your heart out & improve by little bits here & there, with the final measure being you vs. yourself.

A healthy diet of both is good for the body & soul.

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