The Long and Winding Road
Gary Lavin, BS, CSCS, USAT II

So… I was sitting at home the other night, watching American Idol, (so I watch AI, sue me!) and one of the contestants sang the Beatles classic, “The Long and Winding Road .”  Although I know it’s a song about lost love, it gave me reason to pause and reflect on my own long and winding road to this point.  You see, over the past two years there have been many twists and turns in my life.  Some were for the better and some for the worse.  They all, however, were challenging. You’re probably asking, “What does this have to do with endurance sports”.  If you bear with me, I promise there is a connection. 

Not to sound trite, but it all started on July 20, 2006 .  It was a Saturday morning just like any other.  I got up at the butt-crack of dawn for a training ride with some friends.  About 20 miles in, while riding in the bike lane, with front and rear lights on, someone late for work though they could beat me.  It turns out they were wrong!  A short ambulance ride and three hours later I was released from the hospital with a separated AC joint and a severely bruised ego.  Although by most standards it was not a bad accident, it did abruptly end the life of my beloved QR Caliente, and my season.  After many weeks of haggling with lawyers and insurance companies, I was able to replace my beloved Caliente with a new mistress, a QR Lucero.  I know what you’re thinking, “what am I complaining about- you got a total upgrade.”  Well, you are right.  The new bike was cool, but things were not the same. Although outwardly I was healing slowly but surely and seemed unaffected by the ordeal, the one thing I could not replace was the vision of that car.  Although I “got right back in the saddle” as soon as I could tolerate the position, I couldn’t get back to steady training. 

Ten months later came foot surgery, a Morton’s Neuroma between my third and fourth metatarsal (my toes).  I had been ignoring it for over three years and though it was about time to take care of the issue.  Again, I was healing fine (but slow). 

Six weeks later, I was back to cycling and my shoulder was ready for the pool, but just like the rest of my training it was put on the back burner for other projects.  I was running a new business, co-authoring a book, co-producing a DVD, training clients, authoring a monthly newsletter, blah, blah, blah (somebody call the WHAAmbulance). 

Then it happened.  Like a runaway locomotive that cannot be stopped, the epiphany took control.  I felt like the little sapling that never grows in the shadow of the mighty oak (corny but true).  It was time to replant in a place with unobstructed sunlight where I could grow with no bounds.  It was time to move on.  After 10 years with the same business partner, I felt that I needed more.  Although I was pleased with the experience of helping to build one of the premier training and educational facilities in the world, my goals had changed.  I learned more information in that time than any one trainer could ever use and earned opportunities that may have taken others their whole career to achieve, but it was time for me to step out on my own. 

Unfortunately, this transition was not as smooth as I had anticipated (are they ever?)  Although I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders, feelings were hurt, harsh words exchanged, and sides taken.  Then the legal action ensued.  It seemed that my newfound freedom might have to come at a price.  Not only a dollar amount, but also something even more valuable, my confidence and drive.   Again, endurance training fell by the wayside. 

Almost a year later, nearly all of the issues have been worked out, and I have put the whole mess behind me.  As you will see, I am moving forward full steam ahead.  I have a new business, a new workplace, and some great new co-workers/friends.  I also have a whole new perspective on business as well as life. 

The lessons I have learned in endurance sports translate directly to my life.  It is a long, tough race.  Look at the big picture.  Put your head down and keep pedaling.  Put one foot in front of the other.  No matter how you look at it, the lesson is the same: keep going, keep pushing and stay focused.  The end will be here sooner than you think, so you might as well enjoy the ride!   

I am back to training again. (Man, am I out of shape)  I have been running three days a week and cycling at least two.  I haven’t made it back to the pool yet, but I pass it every day on the way to work and it is just a matter of time.  The point that I want to make is that I am an endurance athlete and always will be.    If there is a happier place than anywhere on my bike, I haven’t been there yet.  If there is a more satisfying feeling than putting in a great physical effort, I haven’t felt it. 

There are things in life that are going to get you down; things that will interrupt your training, racing or, more importantly, your life.  You’ll be sidetracked by work and that’s okay.  You will have family obligations to attend to like dance recitals and ball games. (These are mandatory!) There will be injuries and illness.  There are dozens of these happenings that will take you away from your training.   For me, it has been a long and winding road to get here to this realization of truth.  However, just like the song says, “Once there was a way to get back home”.  I am on my way home now.  Back to training, back to enjoying life, and on my way back to racing.  What is your long and winding road?  I am sure we all have one.  Whatever your road or challenge is, remember that, however long or however tough, it will always lead back home.

P.S. I look forward to providing you with quality information and products to make your road a little smoother, your challenges a little less challenging and your life a little easier.  Take care and as always….Take it to the MAX!