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by Donald B. Ardell, Ph. D.
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Wellness in the Headlines
(Don's Report to the World)

My Multi-Sport Journey

Thursday August 16, 2007

Introduction - The Assignment:
A magazine editor recently made me an offer I couldn't refuse: Big bucks in exchange for an article about multi-sport competitions in general and duathlon races in particular. He asked for my wellness promoter's take on duathlons, a sport that has captured the attention of exercise buffs nationwide. I checked with the governing body for duathlons (and triathlons), USA Triathlon in Colorado Springs, CO, and learned that "over 80,000-plus members are licensed for multi-sport events." USAT describes multi-sport competitors as athletes "devoted to living a healthy lifestyle." (Source: http://www.usatriathlon.org/)

(For the uninitiated, let me explain that a duathlon is an endurance race consisting of a run, a bike ride and then another run. Distances vary from sprints that take about an hour to events lasting half a day, though the latter are uncommon. Think of a duathlon as a triathon without the water. Maybe it should have been called "dryathlon.")

The editor requested that I focus on my "highs and lows, the people I've met and the evolution of the sport." Nothing was said about why anyone would be interested in my perspective on such matters. I was a little unsettled about that, but determined to move forward, largely because this magazine flies me all over the world, first class, to report on duathlon races, not to mention international fashion shows, film festivals, coronations, state funerals and so on. This is a valuable perk that I don't want to lose, so I figured, "I'll do as he asks - how hard can it be to produce a 10,000 word essay on my highs and lows and so on?" Just then I noticed that the editor specified a length range of 700-1000 words -- and asked for the piece in 24 hours.

I decided to do a bit more than address the issues (highs and lows, people met and evolution of the sport). I resolved to add lessons, that is, to draw a few instructive moral/spiritual/existential and other insights from all this that would inspire duathletes young and old, fast and slow, Republican and Democratic. My story may or may not be of interest, but lessons, principles, tips - that kind of thing can work for everyone.

A Surprise Development:
Just as I got started, the esteemed editor called again. This time, he said, "Let me clarify your assignment. Consider this: For many people, the 9 to 5 cubicle, the minivan, and the casual Fridays will be all there is to life. You on the other hand, I believe, are living the dream. You have been able to compete in a sport (duathlon) you love and you've had great success. You are also working in a field (wellness) you are passionate about and you enjoy the fruits of your labor. (Success as a writer and speaker.) This is what I would like you to share with our readers."

Well, so much for inspiring duathletes with lessons, moral/spiritual/ existential or other insights. By the time I finished sharing memories of the dream I'm living and how I am competing triumphantly and passionately in the sport I love while basking in the fruits and vegetables of my success, I'll be over the 1000 word allotment and there will be no space for describing the lessons. In fact, I'm at 551words right now and I have not even begun to wax eloquent about my dreams, passions and successes for the benefit of the wretched readers in their cubicles and minivans whose weekly highlight is casual Friday. Well, maybe the editor will publish my lessons, principles and tips in the next edition. (604 words)

On the other hand, I do have nearly 400 words to go so, what the heck, here's the tale of and lessons from my multi-sport journey.

Highs and Lows: First the lows
Except for a few spills and chills, miscounting by one the number of laps remaining at a Powerman Duathlon in Birmingham, missing the start of the world duathlon championship in Cancun and not winning that and other world duathlon races in Rimini, Alpharetta, Newcastle and somewhere in Germany, there haven't been any lows. (Technically, some readers may think forgetting to do the final lap, especially while enjoying a big lead on my competition, just might qualify as a low, but let's not be picky.)

I should mention that while I did not win my official, ITU-sanctioned age group at these events, I DID win my division in each race. My division? The one reserved for competitors 6'3" and over 170 pounds, right-handed with blue eyes born in Philadelphia working as wellness promoters. Hey, to be the best, be the only one in your group! If you get yourself in the right division, YOU can win, too.

The highs
These were not the world titles gained in Hobart and Montreal (triathlon) or the wins at national championship or other races but the adventures of being here and there and so many exciting places, the short-term and more lasting friendships linked with race encounters and memories of countless sights, experiences and people along the du-ways.

Lessons:
The lessons that I offer based upon my experiences with the sport of duathlon over the course of about 20 years are much the same as anyone could gain from reading Shakespeare's King Lear. Really.

Here are a few I'd recommend for moral/spiritual/existential and other insights.

Keep your fiery temperament under control.
If you are a severe manic-depressive, which I'm not but Lear was, take your meds.
If you have a problem with dementia that includes bouts of mood disorder, old age, sadomasochism, schizophrenia (hearing voices), melancholia (self-destructive acts) and stress-induced psychotic episodes, which I don't but Lear evidently did, seek professional help.
Don't read too much into your duathlon experiences. Don't, for example, view your race schedule as a metaphorical description of a journey through hell in order to expiate your sins. Some experiences may seem like hell on earth, but not duathlons.
If you are bipolar with a severe form of manic-depression given to worries that your kingdom is coming apart, not that I feel this way very often, talk to someone about it.
Avoid intrigues, especially before major races, in order that you can enjoy serenity and calm, peace and equanimity to the extent possible.
Pay attention to the people you meet at races and listen to what they have to say. Doing so will help you to better sense and understand "the hearts and minds of man." Even if they do not speak like characters in Shakespeare's plays, you will surely be exposed to gripping tales, a bit of history and the poetry of language.

Summing Up:
Duathlons, like reading Shakespeare, will help you appreciate life in its vast complexity. You will be treated to many points of view along the way, and you will learn to more compassionately sympathize with characters encountered.

You don't have to be living the dream, as this benighted editor thinks I am, competing triumphantly and passionately in a sport, basking in the fruits (and vegetables) of success like me, to gain from reflecting upon the motives, travails and assorted qualities of others. A wellness perspective toward "The Game" will provide the humility and sense of humor needed for overcoming suffering, finding compassion, seeking forgiveness, valuing empathy, practicing tenderness, striving for understanding and making the effort toward reconciliation, as needed, whenever, with whomever.

Be well. Look on the bright side of life and, other things being the same, go a little faster. (1262 words - Ooops.)

Note: This essay is a variation of one that appeared here April 26, 2002 entitled, "What Was Bugging King Lear and What Wellness Lessons Can We Learn from the Play?"

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