For today's story I need to make some detours...here we'go:
This morning's forecast was mixed. I had to expect to get wet on the bike. But I didn't care that much. Well, I had to go first to Altendorf (SZ) to pick up my new helmet. Getting there with some extra mileage startet the ride well. From Altendorf I wanted to ride home directly - it was already pretty dark and overcast and the rain was out to come.
Despite all that, I decided to visit the Tempo Sport guys too. I wasn't sure about this visit (weather, time, training and so on), but finally I knew, if I wouldn't go now, I would have to pick up the items they ordered for me sometimes later.
So I went to the shop, chated here, chated there, tried the new bikes shoes and had my gearing fixed, when all of a sudden, "Storming Normann" Stadler - Hawaiian Ironman Champ himself - popped in. He was accompanied by Werner Bhend, the former Swiss Tri president, who, I heard from serious sources, is quite a top shot groupie ;-))
Anyway, he braged something of what a surprise he'd bring and blabla. I had to laugh for myself. I "do know" Normann already. I met the guy several times before (Zurich, Kona, Power Bar Pre Hawaii Brunch in Kona). He's an easy bloke. But this time, things were different. In a way I was completely disinterested in his appearance. No "wow's", no admiration, no nothing!! I don't wanna be rude... This man deserves respect and has accomplished big things in triathlon. But for much more important is, that when he comes into that shop, watching around shily, not even greeting anybody, he's a completely Joe Average!!!!!!!!
No myths, no "Überbiker" - and above all, rather tragic and self-conscious.
But coming to the point: This episode showed me that I'm definitely past the average tri scene hype thing. I recognized MY true sense of doing this sport and doing it the way I wanna do it.
It's not about fame, the media, the glamour - BECAUSE: The fastest guy's a NOBODY when the race sportlights are gone.
It's a coincident with signal meaning to me. Sorry, Normann, I don't want to put you down, but for me it was a sign for being classy, having so many skills and having them widespread not single-fast-lane.
Thus: Balanced life, lots of challenges and a long term perspective. I'm not afraid of the time after the finish lines of my life. For me, this is the point, where things, where the future starts - and hell, it's a promising future.
Hang in there - and not to be missunderstood: Ride on Normann!
Dani
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