Do Unto Others

During the 1970’s, a Texas oilman named Eddie Chiles did numerous radio commentaries. His trade-mark sign-on of “I’m Eddie Chiles, and I’m mad as hell” led to a widely distributed bumper sticker that read “I’m mad too, Eddie.”

Fast forward to 2010 and yes, Eddie, I’m mad too. In this case, the problem is egos.

As the self-appointed High Sheriff of Athlete Ego Issues, I’ve decided that this is Dodge City and I’m gonna take action.

You see, there’s a very small minority within the local cycling and running community that wants to marginalize the efforts of people who are not (in their opinion) good runners or cyclists.

That attitude bothers me. In fact, it’s best described using words that are not printable.

The majority of us put forth a lot of effort encouraging people to exercise. We don’t care if you’re an absolute beginner, slow, overweight, or awkward. We don’t care if you wear the “proper” clothing or use pro-level equipment. We just want to see you working out, becoming more fit, and staying healthy.

Most of the people we encourage will never become a marathoner, an ironman triathlete, or a long distance cyclist. That’s a good thing – it indicates they have a real life and are more socially balanced than most of the extreme athletes.

In a newspaper column that I wrote back in July of last year, I discussed some fitness goals that I set for myself while starting over after a serious illness. Two of those goals were to rebuild my fitness back to where I could comfortably jog four miles at a 9 min/mile pace, and ride a bicycle for one hour at a 17 mile/hour pace.

Those goals, while considered lofty by a fitness beginner, don’t match up to the standards set by the ego-athletes. That’s the problem we need to solve.

As the High Sheriff of Athlete Ego Issues, I’m hereby establishing some Athlete Ego Ordinances that will take effect immediately. No public hearings – no city council approval needed – this is the Wild West and infractions will be dealt with harshly and swiftly.

Athlete Ego Ordinance #1 bans all public display of egos when targeted at fitness beginners. The sole exception will be peer to peer displays of (good natured) kidding about athletic shortfalls.

Athlete Ego Ordinance #2 requires all experienced athletes to encourage, mentor, and support fitness beginners. This includes slowing down while on the bike and actually speaking to slower cyclists, and cheering on beginning joggers who are shuffling along at a slow pace.

Athlete Ego Ordinance #3 will make ridiculing those who don’t wear or own pro-level equipment a class CP misdemeanor offense, punishable by five consecutive days of CP (colonoscopy prep).

In all seriousness, experienced cyclists, runners, and multisport athletes are our best ambassadors for encouraging more people to pursue fitness activities. We’re all proud of what we’ve accomplished (myself included), and best way to leverage our accomplishments is to help other people be successful in achieving their fitness goals.

Doing that may require nothing more than being a helpful, supportive role model and remembering that – at one time – all of us were complete beginners. Luke 6:31 is probably a good place to start.

Ride On, San Angelo, and remember … the new Athlete Ego Ordinances are now in effect!



Upcoming Events

Cycling events: http://www.sanangelobicycleassociation.com//

Running events: http://www.roadlizards.org/

April 24: Back to School Eola run, http://www.roadlizards.org/

May 1: ASU Physical Therapy run www.angelo.edu/asufit

May 7: Bike-Pedestrian Healthy Communities presentation, www.angelo.edu/asufit

May 8: Critter Crawl run, http://www.roadlizards.org/

May 8: HOT Ride Brady, lmunden@bradyisd.org

June 6: Loco Lizard Adventure Race, http://4.bp.blogspot.com/


Equipment for Sale


Elliptical trainer, Smooth Fitness CE 2.7. Paid 1200.00 but will sell it for 700. Contact Jason at 325 617 4137 or mondiesman@yahoo.com