The Art of Trying and Tri-ing

Some of us are destined to be experts, and some of us are going to be try-ers (I know, it's not really a word; I'm trying it out). And some of us find out that we are try-ers in the midst of growing into triathletes. (Maybe we are try-athletes: olympians of the art of trying...?!) I think I fit that description. And the combination is not a coincidence: what other sport could provide such an ideal athletic venue for someone who cannot just stick to one thing?

Maybe this trying nature (which my husband might saying it is trying indeed!) is just another face of ADD, the offshoot of an abridged attention span, a shallow curiosity or restless, indecisive brain. Maybe this makes me an amateur, the proverbial "jack (jill??) of all trades, master (mistress?) of none." But I prefer to believe that it is a sign of an open mind, a curious disposition, an intrepid spirit, a daring soul. Maybe its opposite is not expertise, but pedantry, not seriousness of purpose but lack of imagination.

No, but seriously, I do admire those who have the passion and dedication to become outstanding knowers of their corner of the universe, masters in their discipline, virtuosos of in their field. I have spent half a life time wanting to be one of them, attempting to emulate their single-mindedness and perseverance. But I could never quite get there, at the place where I could claim that one single thing as my all-consuming passion. I always end up catching an unexpected view out of the corner of my eye, and my attention wanders.

So my latest trial, is this blog. Here I plan to retell, foretell and generally dissect the joys and despairs of life as a triathlete, and as a traveler of sorts, perennially unsettled and yet peculiarly tied to a routine of sorts. Because I do like my routine, my predictable schedule. It is what makes all the changes and shifts possible while preserving a stable horizon.

So, swim-bike-run it is, but to do it you still need a plan, maybe a coach, even a team. And who knows, maybe I might find myself on the way to a really long course ...