Purlple and White

Eugene, March 9, 2008

Some people run for the money [me].
Some run for the glory [me].
Power [me]?
Others run for companionship.
Still others run for fun.
To stay in shape.
For fashion [Nora?].

After watching the South Axemen compete in the Purple and White intra-squad meeting I realized that I have been running for the wrong reasons. As I reflect on my life I realize that money, glory and power have brought me little ultimate satisfaction in life and a lot of tears; mostly, because I have failed to gain material wealth, glory or power; or at least to any sustaining degree. Yet, I fear that even when I do gain these material rewards, part of me will remain unfulfilled. Yet, I remain fixated on this whole reputation thing: above all else I desire honor. Yet honor is so fickle, earthly fame seems to disappear almost as quickly as it is won. So I guess maybe I am after some more lasting satisfaction. Any ideas?

After Coach Hess helped team Purple take second in the 4 X 4, he gleefully took a victory lap with the whole Axemen team: Purple, White, winner, loser, competitor, injured reserve, and team volunteer. Coach Hess handed off to anchorman, Carlos, with a 20 meter lead; only to watch Casey make up the deficit in the backstretch and utterly destroy Purple in the homestretch, garnering victory for White. But Coach Hess was not pissed off; he did not reproach Carlos for losing the race, succumbing to lactate head, his terrible form. No! He congratulated Carlos on a courageous effort, and congratulated the enemy team [white]. I was really taken in by this chivalry, and gentlemanly sportsmanship; his ability to subdue his pride and honor the champions as well as the defeated. After watching Coach Hess play the valiant knight, I am glad that I chickened out of the 4 X 4, because I am afraid that if Carlos has lost a race I had worked hard to win; he'd be running 5 mile Lydiards with the distance runners for the rest of the spring until he shaped up or dropped out.

Yesterday, thanks to coach Tyson, our Axemen brilliantly exhibited a brilliant spirit of unification at our Purlple and White meeting. And it is these young athletes who will remain my inspiration and models for the future!

Sunshine and God Bless!
Gabe