Taking risks

Today I read in the province the story of a 35-year old mom who had been struck by a car while riding her bike in Chilliwack. It is a heart-breaking story. The driver, a seventeen-year old girl, was talking on her cell phone, became distracted, and veered off the road, hitting the cyclist.

It's a tragic accident. Obviously, people are blaming the young girl. She made a horrible, haunting mistake that will be with her for the rest of her life. And the victims family will wake up every day, from this moment on, with the realization that their lives were irrevocably changed in an unceremonious instant.

The truth is, accidents and mistakes happen. I can personally sit here and say all I want about cell phone users in cars, but I am guilty of this too sometimes. So, yes, there is blame and someone will be held accountable...

The article gave me another reason to pause, though, as the first thing that hit me was "motorist hits cyclist". How many times are we out on the shoulder of the road with hundreds of cars passing us, oblivious to the trust we have placed in each and every driver remaining in control of their car as they pass by us?

It's a sobering thought for me. On the other hand, I recognize that this is one of the risks of being a cyclist/triathlete. Of all the plans we make and decisions on how, where, when and what to train, some events are just out of our control.

We are not made for "quiet ports", as the saying goes. Taking risks makes us come alive in some ways. Not knowing the outcome is scary and unnerving, and I sometimes think we try too hard to be completely in control of the results. Risks have rewards, but also have disappointments.

I do not subscribe to the school of foolhardy risks. Doing something stupid is not the same as taking a risk. Columbus did not leave port with a broken down ship and a bunch of idiots who couldn't sail in the bathtub.

But calculated risks, like the ones we take training for an Ironman, or climbing Mount Everest after suitable training and with suitable equipment, are necessary and the adventure comes in not knowing, always, that we'll be safe.

But still, always wear a helmet and keep an eye on the traffic...

Training log:
Wednesday - morning - 2500 meter swim - 55 minutes (with breaks)
4:30pm - 50km ride to Iona Beach (easy pace, a few hills), 1 hr 45 minutes.
On the schedule tonight (Thursday):
Run - easy intervals
Swim - 2100 meters (moderate intensity)