Pay It Foward

author : Ontherun

comments : 0

We triathletes are a lucky lot. We have the time and the resources to enjoy a sport that is time consuming and can be very expensive. I take this opportunity to reflect on my good fortune.

This spring has been an interesting one and one that has caused me to do a little soul searching. I know that I am very fortunate. I have a loving family, a steady job, and a hobby that is allowing me to set a good example for my kids while keeping my weight issues under control. Last season I came to the conclusion that I need a new bike. My old one was close to 20 years old and to get a comparable one would be expensive. After figuring out the finances, my wife and I decided that I could wait until Christmas to see how much spare cash was left.

Since Christmas, I have realized our house needs a new roof, new oil tank and new water tank. I am not complaining, because I am very fortunate to be in my own home with all the things that go with it. We will scrape the cash together with out having to sell the kids (just kidding).

The reason I write this is a BT friend offered me a bike computer he had laying around the house to have for free. He saw things were tight, and thought I could use it. Now I appreciated the gesture and accepted his generosity. But that made me think. We can do so much for others through our sport if we put our minds to it. When we upgrade equipment, there are organizations that look for donations to help inner city kids get into our sport. Also, quite a few people started in our sport with Team in Training. Both are very worthy causes. This should not limit our ability to pass on our good fortune.

We are lucky enough to have the equipment, the time and the money to train and race in our sport. As you sign up for our 3rd, 10th or 20th race of the year, consider doing a race as a fundraiser. Choose your cause and make it count. If fundraising is not your deal, consider doing one less race and donating that entry fee to a local charity. This season I will join my wife again in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Even though it is not directly involved with my racing, I passed on a race last year to help Crew the event. I will do the same this year.

So in conclusion, if you consider yourself lucky as I do, try to pass your good fortune forward to help those who could use a little.

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date: January 29, 2006