I know I usually don't post on our blog but I was inspired to write about something that I love, running and riding my bike. There are a host of reasons why I enjoy running and riding my bike; endorphins, personal satisfaction, stress reliever, pushing limits, setting and achieving goals, being in nature, competing, winning, the list can go on. But there has been something that has always lingered on my conscience when I am running or the bicycle; that these activities are inherently selfish. The countless hours alone riding, away form family and friends, all for what? Spending money and traveling to run in a race all for my own personal satisfaction, why? The time, dedication, effort put into these activities can be self-centered and become a wedge in friendships, marriages, and families especially when this time is spent focused on oneself. For any athlete that loves to workout, he or she is blessed with great health that enables them to build strength, ability, and talents through consistent practice. I view my health as blessing to which I am immensely grateful. I realize that only through this health am I able to excel at running and biking. For this reason I see this blessing of health as something that I should seek to share with others. But how does someone share their health with others? I think a great example of this type of behavior is exemplified perfectly in the story about Dayton. Click here to see the video. The opportunities to share our health or talents can be as simple as encouragement, occasions to talk with friends, or inviting someone to come along fir a run or ride. When we actively take those gifts, talents, or abilities and put them to work uplifting others I believe we will only stand to gain exponentially from the experience.
One of the ways that I have tired to share my blessing of good health is through competing in various cycling races in Utah and Colorado to raise money and awareness for cancer research. I have partnered with the Livestrong Foundation and set-up a donation page, SEE HERE. The donations that I am collecting right now is for a race I am competing in in Durango, CO. In this race I will be riding with people that have battled or are battling cancer. It's staggering to think that over 40% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at sometime during their life. With cancer being a prevalent problem amongst our society I feel that cancer research is a worthy cause.
We will be riding on this road during the race in Colorado.
In this simple way my racing won't be solely for my own benefit yet I can already see how enjoyment has increased. This experience has reenforced an important lesson; when we lose ourself to help others lies real joy. I hope those reading this can help help contribute to the Livestrong Foundation and help further cancer research.
