The Principle of Suffering

Well, looks like, according to the weather forecast, we may have a damp start to Saturday's Fort Pickens Ride. In fact, we will probably change the route to the scenic Soundside Loop because of the predicted southeast breeze. This will give us a delightful "Tailwind Express" for the ride home that is the envy of all cyclists everywhere. Stay tuned to this channel for up to date reports as to the weather and start time, etc. for Saturday morning.

Last Sunday afternoon saw the reintroduction of the man himself, Ron "El Rondo" Martin back into the peloton. El Rondo, or just Rondo as he is affectionately known by his friends, has been on a no less than 2 year hiatus, while remodeling his 100 year home in the historic district of North Hill. Since he hasn't turned one pedal in anger for more than 700 days, we really took it easy on him...I mean, we do want him to ride again sometime soon. Even so, Rondo did a bit of suffering as we cruised down the road. To those of us who have been training, i.e., The Miserable Rides, (see story in a previous post), we were in fact just cruising. However, to Rondo we were hammering pretty hard and he was doing more than his fair share of suffering.

To most of us, I think the issue of suffering is a matter of perception. In other words, it's a matter of attitude. Rondo has a great attitude. Usually, no matter how much he is suffering, you rarely hear a word of complaint from him. However, he may be more of an exception than the rule. For most of us, we don't enjoy suffering and therefore want everyone else, especially those who may be causing it, to know our pain. It may not be by yelling an unfriendly comment, it may just be a look or even just a posture we have as we suffer through whatever circumstance we are enduring. Think of your teenager when you tell him to clean his bedroom and he wants to do something with his friends instead. Or, maybe yourself when you are waiting in line at WalMart because the person in front of you can't find their checkbook.

We all go through suffering in many ways, perhaps almost everyday. Suffering is a fact of life on this earth. In fact, it is an ancient Biblical principle. And, those who know how to use it will make great progress in every aspect of life. I cannot think of any of the Virtues that is not developed and grown without suffering. Little or no progress is made in regards to health, relationships, career, study, physical training and winning without some degree of suffering.

Do You remember just a few years ago when Lance Armstrong announced his 2nd comeback? No, not the 1st one after his recovery from cancer. The 2nd comeback after his "retirement" from racing. He called his agent, Bill Stapleton on the telephone to discuss the possibility of a comeback. Bill's only real question to Lance was, "Do you really want to suffer like that again?" Lance responds in his latest book, "It was a good question. Because suffering is what bike racing is all about. And the one who can suffer the most usually wins."

I think that statement, with a little adjustment, is as true in life as it is in cycling. I enjoy reading biographies of great people who have walked this sod before me. I have never, ever read of any great man or woman that did not go through a great degree of turmoil of one type or another. I truly believe, it shapes who we are more than we care to recognize. Think of folks like Moses, King David, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, David Livingstone, George Washington Carver, Mother Teresa or even Sir Edmund Hillary, to name a few. Read their stories with an eye for what they suffered and how it shaped them into who they were to become.

Although there are many types and kinds of suffering and your suffering will be different from what I perceive as suffering, I think all suffering can be classified under 2 categories:

1. Voluntary
2. Involuntary

However, they both can have great benefit to the one doing the suffering. Think again of Lance. Rewind to the early 1990s. He's a good rider, almost great. But not quite. Then he falls victim to that horrible disease of cancer and it is spreading like wildfire throughout his body. He suffered terribly. His description of the treatments and how he felt you wouldn't wish upon your worse enemy. He was suffering and it was not his choice. It was involuntary. Now, fast forward to the end of the Tour de France in 1999, his first victory. He expressed and I quote, "Cancer was the best thing that ever happened to me." And I would further that by saying his cancer was good for all of us as well. We have all benefited from his suffering. Think of the inspiration he has been to millions of cyclists and cancer patients alike. He started a foundation to try and find a cure to the awful disease and has traveled the world over helping others...not to mention just a mere 7 victories in the world's most difficult bicycle race. Almost all of what we know of him today, started with him going through some severe involuntary suffering.

However, he could not have accomplished what he has without more than a little voluntary suffering. Think of the countless hours in the gym and on the bike. Riding those Tour roads over and over again. Suffering up those huge climbs, sometimes several times in one day. And let's not forget developing and enlarging a huge organization to fight cancer. Traveling the world to promote awareness. This all involved a great deal of voluntary suffering.

It's all meant to develop the man. Same with each one of us. Whether we ride bikes or not. Whether we can hammer down the road at 25mph or just enjoy climbing Langley hill once or twice a year. All suffering can be good. However, at the time we don't necessarily enjoy it. We endure it. Once we have endured the suffering for awhile, it's residue left in us has great reward. If I could just keep my eye on the end product, the prize, the changed me, I would have a better attitude. And therein lies perhaps the secret; Attitude.

That's what I truly love about my good friend Rondo. Even when he is suffering like a dog, he always seems to have a cheerful disposition. Maybe that boy has learned the secret or perhaps he knows I just won't listen to his complaining so why bother. Whatever the case, as you are working through that stack at the office, waiting in line at the store or perhaps fixing your fence in the backyard or even hammering down Maygarden and think you are about to crack, consider: I am either suffering because I want to or I am being made to suffer. Regardless, I will have a good attitude, knowing that this will benefit me in one or many ways; in my character, my health, my resources, my influence or example to others. Or even in ways, like Lance, that I cannot imagine at this time.

That good attitude in the face of suffering is how you receive the greatest benefit. For our attitude is, in fact, part, if not all of the lesson.

See you out on the road,
Bob