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Adversity and Attitude
 by BodyHealth Team Member Brooke Hanley Davison
Just the other day I was sitting with a former professional cyclist at the park and I was lamenting about my recent ailments, minor injuries, kids' sicknesses, and the myriad of reasons that my training has been less than par. He looked at me and with frankness in his voice, said, “everyone gets sick, everyone crashes, and the best rise above it all to be ready to perform.” At the time, just a day after coming off of 5 days of high fever and still feeling downright horrible, this comment wasn't what I was looking for. However, it was spot on.
As I approach the start of my professional career in triathlon, I feel less than ready. The start of 2009 has found me with sick kids which impinges on my training, hip/glute issues that impedes my ability to run pain-free, trouble with my ferritin (primary form of iron storage in the body) levels which leaves me with very low energy, and most recently the dreaded influenza virus that has knocked me out of training completely for over a week. Not ideal, and yet such is life. It's all about how I look at these adversities.
Last week in the midst of a fever induced delirium, I spoke with my coach. He knows me well and knows that I hold myself to high standards in all aspects of my life, perhaps even unrealistic standards. That said, I needed some reassurance. Reassurance and kind words to kick me out of the depths of self-doubt, extreme discouragement, and concern about the looming first race of the season. He met me there and helped me shift my thinking to a more positive outlook.
He reminded me about all the training I have in the bank. He helped me gain perspective and regain the balance in my life and mind that I believe to be one of my greatest attributes. It's all in our attitude and how we approach our training, life, and adversity. So, in the midst of my lowest moment, I made a choice. A choice to recognize this most recent virus as a beautiful time of rest and recovery. (My 7 year old was also home sick with the flu and we got to spend countless hours snuggled in bed shivering with fevers and cuddling – the silver lining.) And I chose to look at all the positives in my life, for which there are so many.
Now, I am 3 weeks out from my “debut” as a professional triathlete. I am reminded that the pressure I feel to perform is all from within. I am grateful for that pressure, yet working hard to maintain perspective and remind myself how much I LOVE to race and LOVE the sport of triathlon. Everyone gets sick, everyone crashes and it's all up to me on how I show up on race day…ready to perform and keep it fun! Brooke
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