Sometimes when you lose, you win

OPINION: Every day of the week a book comes out on motivation but I can save you reading them by relating my personal story, entitled the loneliness of a long-distance runner who is a long distance behind the field, writes Gerry Forde in this week's Southlander.

I used to be quick before the back problem and then could barely walk.

After a few weeks I went to the doctor and told her "I used to be number two athlete in Southland, now I can't even run away from my wife!"

I just wanted sympathy but ended up with a back operation. After three years I had my first cross-country race recently second again, to a woman, so after the op, I'm quick enough to run away from my wife but too slow to catch another woman!

Of course, what I needed was more motivation.

In the next race I was cut back into sixth place by recycled Olympian Glen McClay he didn't even need his bike to run me down! The following race, beaten by two women what's the point of taking up a sport that offers you the same experience as being at home?

Suddenly my motivation deflated like a burst balloon. I could barely climb on the cross trainer let alone pump it to death for 30 minutes.

Next race I was out the back, enjoying the scenery at the New River Estuary, when I spotted a runner ahead going even slower than me.

Suddenly I had motivation, picked up pace and passed him.

It turned out he was a weekend jogger he passed me back!

But let's hold the point that passing someone seems to motivate us.

Sick of running I went to the velodrome with Den the dairy farmer and took to the sloping boards for the first time.

The place was crawling with learners and I was soon lapping them like a greyhound on wheels. I spent 40 minutes blitzing beginners and came out feeling high.

So here's the question when we set goals is it the winning of the goal that gives us the thrill or is it doing the activity that is the pleasure?

Do I love running or just winning?

I didn't have to leave home, read a motivational book or go running to discover the truth find what you love and you will enjoy it even when you lose.

» Gerry Forde is the Venture Southland regional identity brand manager.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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