"The only pace is suicide pace, and today seems like a good day to die" - Steve Prefontaine
I have the above statement written on my refrigerator, to remind me every day, exactly how I live my life, the only way I know how. Most people who know me well, know I have 2 speeds, full on, or sleeping. But the quote of Pre, meant something more - never live with regrets, live every day like its your last. So, it was with that mindset that I approached my coach late last season with a question I didn't think I would ever get the chance to ask again -"Do I have what it takes to go pro?" In typical Jenny fashion, she was very excited and very supportive, and encouraged me to apply. But I still wasn't convinced I had the stuff to race at that level. My self-confidence isn't exactly great, but with her guidance, and some very close friends support I started to really get my head around the idea.
So with the season ending in 2008 and having secured my second Mideast Duathlon series title, I did the one thing that I had tried to do 13 years ago, I sent in for my pro card from USAT. The process takes time, so I spent the better part of the fall, resting, getting surgery on my sinus cavity, and improving my overall health. But, with each passing day, I became more restless, wondering if I was going to make it or not. As more time passed and Christmas grew near, my hopes started to wane, and I wasn't sure I was ready for USAT to tell me "Sorry, you're decent, but not good enough to be a pro. Better luck next year." And then, just after Christmas, I got the word - I had been accepted, I had gotten my pro card. I was officially a professional duathlete. A wave of emotions came over me, excitement, relief, joy and yes - fear. As cool as it felt to say "I'm a pro" I realized, holy shit, "I'm a pro! The competition is going to be tougher, the pressure will be greater, what the hell do I do know?"
So I went back to the one person who knew best - Jen. She carefully laid out the game plan for moving forward, and slowly I started to feel more confident, more at ease. And the training ramped up, and I started to see progress, I was feeling stronger, more lean, more fit. But with one of the worst winters in the last 13 years in Chicago, gauging progress has been difficult. And with 4 weeks from my first race, I am scared, but excited, no doubt.
The decision to go pro wasn't easy. The amount of free time I have is already close to nothing, I work a full time job and have to make sure I keep up with that, and I don't want to look like some joke when I get to the start line. But I thought, 13 years ago, I was in the same position, ready to make this leap, and I allowed others, and a car accident to prevent me from doing it. And 6 years passed before I could even get the strength to train again. So now at 35, I was given another chance, and if I am to live life to the fullest, then I plan on grabbing this opportunity and giving it everything I have.
Some people close to me, don't understand why this is so important, why I needed to do this now. They puzzle why I would want to live like a college student and hermit, training and racing, and giving up my "prime earning years". But my response is simple - I have been blessed with another chance to do the one thing I love at the highest level, and that is more important than any climbing the corporate ladder, or buy the big house, or the big car. And this is what I say to everyone who is facing the same question - the answer is always right in front of you - will you regret not taking that step? If the answer is yes, then make that leap of faith. Even if you fall, you can do so proudly, knowing you were brave enough to try. And that's what separates champions from the rest.
So aside from training, I have been studying champions, in all different individaul sports and what they all have in common - keep the amount of people close to you small, make sure they are trustworthy and will always tell you the truth, and don't believe your own press clippings. That is the a sure fire way to fail - believing your own hype. Anyone can be beaten on any given day, so, cut out the bs, stay humble and get the work done. Watching the GSP v. BJ Penn fight this weekend, that's what stuck out the most to me - GSP closes the circle 4 weeks from a fight, he makes the sacrifice, b/c being a champion means more than hanging with friends all night, partying with girls, etc. Its about looking yourself in the mirror, and saying - How bad do I want this? I ask that everyday, and even sick, and tired, I always smile, knowing, I wouldn't want it any other way.
I want to thank my sponsors, my coach my friends, family, and most importantly, the ones who never thought this possible. The ones who 13 years ago told me to give up the dream, that I wasn't good enough. B/c of you, I am here now. So thanks for the doubt and lack of support, it was the extra push I needed to get here.
Stay strong
Guy
