It's been a while since I've blogged. With training season in full swing, I find myself adopting blinders that focus my attention to my running and studies. Everything else seems to have cast to the periphery.
In light of being self absorbed in my training, I find myself the strange situation of having an acolyte. He's a buddy that I met a year ago at the Running Room. Really a cheery guy with a pleasant disposition. I assisted him in providing him a few nuggets of wisdom of what to consider and practise while running. You can tell that his really, "wet behind the ears" if he's taking direction from me.
However, in recent conversations, he has expressed interest in mirroiring my training schedule and practising the cross training that I do. I have no issue with that at all. In fact I'm really flattered and would greatly enjoy the company on what would be a a solitary journey. However, a concern that has recently manifested is that I am beginning to feel responsible should he not be able to attain his goal of a sub four time this year. I feel some type of fiduciary duty to him.
For the record, I am not selfish and I do want to help him but I'm worried that the opportunity cost of doing so would be my time goal for this year. I've forwarded to him my training schedule along with my what I practise in terms of strength training for my legs and yoga in order to enhance my flexibility.
However this is where, as if by a strange twist of fate, I find myself being hypocritical for doing so. For me to critcise openly would be akin to, "the pot calling the kettle black" My new running crew consists of two triathletes, a cyclist on the McGill team and and Ironman who is also the coach of the McGill cycling team. Naturally, I am the slowest of the group during our long runs. I feel privileged to belong to such a training group and I wonder when I'm with them if I am holding them back. However, they are all class and enjoy the courses that I map out a week in advance. They enjoy my company and we have great exchanges. The best thing about these people is that they are regular people who are successful in their field. I find that totally awesome. Being with them galvanises me and I am greatful that they tolerate my slower pace.
Is it possible that my acolyte feels toward me the way I do with my running group? Perhaps I am overthinking this issue. If they are willing to tolerate my, "slowness" and yet still be able to realise their objectives, perhaps I can do so as well. Then again, they do run at a faster pace than I.
Food for thought.
