5 Reflections on Sport (& Bike Giveaway)
Last month I was one of 59,000 people who ran the 10km Vancouver Sun Run. I was actually fairly indifferent going into the race - running 10kms is not normally my idea of fun, and truth be told the main reason I was there was because my employer was a major sponsor of the race. As soon as I arrived at the race, however, my attitude changed. With live music and so many people in attendance there was a real buzz and sense of excitement in the air.
Anyway, this race got me thinking about the role that sport has played, and continues to play, in my life. I have always loved sports, but my attitude towards it has definitely changed with time - a fact I’m sure you will notice in these reflections on sport:
1) Balls Balls Balls
When I was younger sport was my life. In my free time I was almost always doing something active and I lived for the weekends when I would play competitively. Tennis, basketball and Australian Rules Football (go Dockers!) were my sports of choice.
I look back fondly on this period because it was all so natural. There was never even a sniff of the indifference I mentioned in my introduction - there was a fire within me that roared so naturally. As adults I think a common mistake we make is to approach sport as work (hence it often being referred to as working out). But sport can be so much fun! And in retrospect I realize that playing sports was an important part of my development. Apart from the physical activity, I learned important teamwork and leaderships skills, strategic thinking and how to deal with pressure.
2) Tennis Overdose
I had started playing tennis from the age of 6, so by the time I was in my mid to late teens I gave little thought to whether or not I actually wanted to play tennis. It’s just what I did.
As I have previously mentioned elsewhere on this blog, in my mid to late teens I experienced some major depression. I had always been a very good player, but I started to lose to players I would have once comfortably beaten. When I think about it, tennis was not a good sport to be playing in the state of mind I was in. I had always treated stepping onto the tennis court as akin to going into battle, so to begin to lose most of the time took its toll on me.
I stopped playing tennis at a competitive level around the age of 19, and it was one of the best decisions I have made. I had always played so much tennis - approximately 5-6 times per week - that I never really explored other activities to their full potential. I loved my newfound freedom, and over the next few years I discovered a number of new activities and sports.
3) A New Outlook
After I put away my tennis racquets I started to approach sports differently. I really looked for sports that had a fun social aspect to them. For example, I began to play in a mixed social basketball team at my university. We would blast out “Ey
e of the Tiger” on a stereo we would bring to each game, and then usually undo all the good from the exercise by hitting the local pub afterwards. Fun times.
In 2003/04 I came to Canada and tried skiing for the first time (I had never even seen snow before this trip). I was instantly hooked. I think the appeal of skiing has a lot to do with being outdoors in nature. I always find that when I go skiing it has a very calming effect on me.
In the past 6 months I have also started to do yoga. I find that yoga has helped me to develop a greater level of self-awareness and presence in the now. And I don’t think it is any coincidence that my spiritual side has really started to develop during this time.
4) Watching Sports
I actually watch very little sport these days. One reason is that my favorite viewing sport, Australian Rules Football, doesn’t get much coverage here in Canada (surprise surprise!). But even before I came here last year I found myself watching less and less sport. I guess I would just much rather actually be playing sport than watching it.
Here in Canada the most popular sport is hockey. Sometimes I shake my head at is just how much time some people spent glued to the tube watching this sport. Unlike many other team sports where your favorite team will play once per week, here it is not unusual for your favorite team to play 3 or 4 times in during that time. And of course there are numerous other games that are shown during that time.
This reflection (or should that be mini-rant?) is not so much about watching sports, rather just the amount of sports that some people watch. That being said, there can be a lot of excitement involved with watching a game on the box, especially in the company of friends. Watching sports can bring people together, as the following experience my friend Zorka had with her husband shows (this is taken from her book 9 Essential Life Skills - check it out because it is a great book):
Many years ago, in the early years of our marriage, there were certain sports my husband would want to watch. If I wanted to spend time with him, I would have to sit down and watch with him. Actually, I had always loved sports, but I preferred playing them rather than watching. One day, when I didn’t feel like doing anything else, I decided to sit down to watch basketball with my husband. Larry Bird and the Celtics were playing, and I was astounded at how exciting and fun it was to watch. My husband and I had found another activity we could enjoy together.
5) The Change We Need To Be
So back to the Vancouver Sun Run. Upon arrival at the start of the race my indifferent attitude quickly changed to quiet determination - I was going to run this 10kms without stopping! The first 5kms were fairly easy - adrenaline was pumping through my body and carrying me forwards. But in the second half there were numerous occasions where I was very close to stopping and walking for a bit.
I’m happy to say I didn’t stop. On each occasion where I came close to walking for a bit, my spirits were either lifted by the other runners around me, the live music that was playing at regular intervals or the kids who were at the water stations along the way who were cheering and shouting encouraging words.
As I ran along I realized the power and energy that can result from people coming together. This race really was the perfect metaphor for the change that needs to happen in this world. There were all sorts of people there - young and old, fit and unfit, runners and supporters, leaders and stragglers - who had turned out in some way to support the race. I had a smile on my face the entire race as I was excited not just about the race, but about the future and the potential for positive change in the world.
Competition
Last week I was contacted by a representative of Lipton about their recently launched “Free Your Y” web site (www.areyouyoungenough.com) and YouTube contest (in which $25,00 is being given away). This campaign is all about tapping into your inner youth to be happy, healthy and energized. If nothing else, check out the YouTube video - it will put a big smile on your face.
Anyway, they have kindly offered to give one reader of this blog a Lipton-branded Fuji Crosstown 2.0 bikes (retail value $399 - you can see the details of the bike here). To be in the running to win this bike, just leave a response to my reflections on sport, or indeed a reflection on your own sporting experiences, in the comments below. Please note: the bike is only available to US Residents (as a Australian who lives in Canada I know this isn’t perfect).
Legal stuff: The Pepsi/Lipton Partnership will provide a check for $75.00 to be used for professional assembly of all Lipton Fuji bicycles awarded. Neither Pepsi Co. nor Unilever is liable for any injuries, damages or accidents that may result from the receipt, assembly or use of this bicycle.
*** Update: I’m happy to announce that the winner of this giveaway is Rana, who blogs at Notes from an Eclectic Mind.
Images from kk+ and Andre Charland.
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26 Comments
May 5th, 2008 at 7:20 am
I must agree with your point about skiing. While I’ve never gone skiing (I prefer biking), I do find being outside doing something is a great way of relaxing. As a bonus, you also get healthier. Unless of course, you wipe out while doing that activity. Then you’re going to be in pain.
Although, that just gives you another excuse to go with friends!
Oliver
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May 5th, 2008 at 8:03 am
I enjoyed reading your positive reactions to the role of sports in your life because my own experience was so opposite. Here in Texas the emphasis in physical education classes in school in the 1970s and 1980s was on team sports. It was assumed that because I’m 5′ 11″ (and was almost that as a gawky grade school girl), I’d be a natural on the basketball court. Key problem — the walking and bouncing a ball at the same time factor. (Sigh.)
Volleyball and track proved to be equal tortures and I fled into the band as soon as I was eligible. (Band counted as PE back then.) The experience left me with a life long detestation of exercise that I am thankful to say I’ve finally shed over the past six months. Talk about changing your life! I care for an elderly friend who is a stroke survivor so I can’t get out of the house for more than an hour or so at a time. I started exercising to combat stress and frustration, first on a mini stair-stepper and then on an exercise bike. The transformation — both for me physically and spiritually and in the climate of our household — has been nothing short of amazing.
I’ve lost 30 lbs. and three jean sizes. I feel fantastic. My level of patience has soared. The nagging symptoms of perimenopause have receded into the background and I’m finding the time to get out and walk in the park, often taking my friend in her wheelchair. (Talk about cardio!) After six months I upgraded to a Schwinn recumbent bike and look forward to getting a “real” bike for rides in the park before the year is out.
After years of no physical activity at all, I’m a true believer now. Heck, I even own a heart monitor and am ready to claim gym rat status after working out two hours a day — every day — for five of those six months. I’m still no good at team sports, but I’ve discovered I’m a wicked competitor against myself and even more — it’s fun!
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May 5th, 2008 at 8:17 am
I find your post very interesting. I was personally not much of an athlete growing up (felt I was sort of un-coordinated) so avoided sports, and just focused on socializing, tv and other less competitive pursuits. Now that I’m in my thirties, I enjoy sports quite a bit more, I like riding bike, and have been thinking about training to do it competetively, and like to play golf and go to gym to lift weights and swim. There are two things in my present day life that I feel hint at my previous indifference to sports. I don’t participate or am attracted to team sports, only individual sporting activities. And I don’t have any interest in watching sports at all.
This was an inspirational post, I do enjoy reading your blog (its in my RSS reader)
-E
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May 5th, 2008 at 8:39 am
I was never much of a sportsman in my teens and 20s. In fact. I don’t think I did any exercise at all until I was about 30. Over the past few years, though, exercise has become part of my life and I am all the better for it. Like many things I feared or felt indifferent about in the past, it’s now something I enjoy.
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May 5th, 2008 at 9:30 am
I have to admit that reading your post made me reflect on the many phases of sports/physical activity that I have gone through in my 52 years of life. Like you, as a child, the world was mine to explore and I did so with reckless abandon, much to my mom’s dismay. As the years passed, I joined the “organized” sports - baseball, football, wrestling - all with the goal of winning. As I settled into married life and fatherhood, the physical acitivity waned, except for chasing the twins around. Sports then meant watching them in their sporting endeavors.
An unexpected divorce led me to reexamine my need for physical activity and over the past 9 years I have jumped back into it with both feet, often making my kids wonder what is wrong with their dad, with his 50-75 mile bike rides and marathons and ultramarathons. But now, it’s not about the competition…it’s about staying young at heart and not letting the myself believe that there are limits to what I can achieve if I set my mind to it. But most importantly, it’s about the fun I have along the way.
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May 5th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Before high-school I played sports but never very well. in the years past that it always seemed that I was “too cool” (also see Scared) to participate. In my 30’s I’ve rediscovered competitive sports and fitness. It’s tough to think about how much I missed out on but fortunate that I emerged to a better place. Health is perhaps the greatest gift, if one has it, to not use it is a terrible insult to those who do not…. and to yourself.
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May 5th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Peter,
I was really interested in your discussion of “social” sports and how those were more of a help to you when you were dealing with depression. Personally, I’ve never been very good at sports. I’ve tried several, but find that I lack skill and have never been motivated to work very hard to acquire the skills in any team sport. Perhaps because I am self-concious, or perhaps because I usually sit the bench in team sports, I’ve always been drawn to exercise or sport that I can do myself — walking, running, biking. Now in my mid-thirties, I find the only way I can stay motivated to exercise is to do some combination of these three activities. I use the alone time I have while engaged in these activities to organize my thoughts, reflect, and relax my mind. This helps me keep my moods elevated and my stress levels low.
By the way, thanks for continuing with this blog. I love the new name and look!
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May 5th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Enjoyed this article very much - thanks!
My experience with sport has been that as a youngster, I played recreationally. Once I got through college, I really slacked off, made bad choices in my diet, and really gained some baggage (weight). About four years ago, I decided it was time for a change. Since then I have been lifting weights, biking, running, and playing much more with my kids (they like basketball, football, baseball, and soccer). So, the last four years I have really felt (and looked) younger than I’ve felt in a long time. It’s been a great journey these last four years!
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May 5th, 2008 at 10:57 am
I happen to live in an area renowned for it’s beauty and outdoorsy people - home to ‘hip and trendy’ uber-athletes. (Hint. It’s in Oregon and way overpriced)
Seeing all of these fit people prompted me to start “moving” and lose 30 lbs. I currently kayak and snowshoe, and would love to add biking to my repertoire!
When I move, I feel better. My world-view becomes more focused and I lose the sense of isolation that I’ve owned for the last 30 years.
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May 5th, 2008 at 11:32 am
haha. What a good way to get a lurker to comment!!
I enjoyed your observation of how adults look at sports as “work”. That is so true. As adults we tend to forget that we can still engage in team sports and even individual sports can be more interesting if we participate in things like the run you did.
I am doing the Portland to Coast walking relay this year and have been so pumped up to train for the event after getting together with my team, and reading about the event on their website. Doing an “event” has inspired me to take my walking to the next level.
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May 5th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
I liked your point about sports being fun rather than work. This is how all life should be. Anything that isn’t fun shouldn’t be done.
For me, this means realizing that the change is made within myself. What could be considered work one moment could be considered fun the next, just like your experience at the Vancouver Sun Run. It’s all a matter of perspective, and this perspective is mine to change.
I’ve found that this to be a great motivator in how I relate to sports and life in general.
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May 5th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
This post (and blog) inspire me. I’m the last kid in grade school to be called over for the team. Hardly, picked in Rover, Rover send Genia over. Now thirty plus years later I truly care about myself. The kids are raised. The future grandchildren will need me around and active with them. You remind me that some of this ‘new’ exercise in my life is FUN, although, some is work. I believe one day it will all be emjoyable. Thank you for your blog!
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May 6th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Peter,
My daughter is also a great tennis player. I always encourage her to play the game in her mind first before entering the court. I’d seen her loosing to opponents much inferior in style and substance than her only because she allowed fear of loosing against inferior opponent take over her mind. My advice to her is to play one shot at a time. Develop mindfulness for every shot. Do not worry about the shot that has gone, it’s dead. By learning this simple practice of mindfulness, she has won 35 of her last 38 games. It’s an amazing transformation that I’ve seen in this young girl. Needless to say, I’m proud of her. You have a great post and I’ve just submitted to the Digg.
Shilpan
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May 8th, 2008 at 3:33 am
Hi, fellow Aussie here! I was reading over this and thinking ‘yeah, I should really get back into sports’ — I was one of those kids who hated team sports, and that’s all school cared about. But then I remembered that I was very focused on my Taekwondo for several years (from about 14-16 or so) and went to classes three times a week. I then proceded to lose a heck of a lot of weight (and I didn’t have any to lose), get depression and get very physically unhealthy. I’ve just realised that I’ve probably been carrying the connection around in my head between Taekwondo and becoming depressed and ill ever since, which I suspect may be a major reason why I haven’t got back into it since recovering, given that’s it been three years now with hardly any exercise whatsoever.
Thank you! I’ve been wanting to get back into exercise for ages, and I’ve put it off so that some opportunities are now lost (I’ve had to move away from my old Taekwondo club, *sniff*) but at least now I’m aware of what I’ve just realised.
Rhiannon
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May 11th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
I like your post on sports and thoughts there of. I have to confess I am motivated to get more active after reading some of the posts.
In high school I did several sports and I was only ok at them. My favorite was wrestling. I tried out during the baseball strike to play baseball. I still cannot hit well.
I used to play softball, but then I moved. I almost earned a black belt in Tae Kown Doa, moved again before I could complete the task.
I took up fencing and found I had a real talent for it. That moved on also. Perhaps I should (as the post above) rejoin a TKD group.
Thanks for the kick in the tail to get my tush moving again. Maybe I should ride my bike to work.
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May 12th, 2008 at 6:41 am
[...] week I was reading “5 Reflections on Sport” on one of my favorite motivational sites, The Change Blog, when I realized there was a bike [...]
May 15th, 2008 at 8:13 am
I try to look for running races that are unique or interesting. Often, the excitement and enthusiasm of others is contagious.
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