BALANCE
words and photos: Gary Barnard
Balance is natural.
Why then it it so hard for us humans to achieve?
I recently took part in the South African championships. I wanted to get enough UCI points so that I could qualify for the World Cup in Pietermaritzberg so I decided to race in the Elite class (I am 33…). I have also just had a beautiful baby girl with my extremely supportive and understanding wife Noon.
Summer and Noon - Early Morning in Vic Bay
The weekend was planned and of we went to George (we stayed at Vic Bay near by) for the SA Champs; Noon, Summer, Gary, Makulu, Bright family and other DH friends.
Everything went perfectly except for one small detail: I didn’t sleep.
2hrs on Friday night, 3hrs on Saturday night.
Summer dominating the beach
Luckily I knew the course well and just rested up for my race runs but WOW it doesn’t feel good racing DH where reaction time is kinda important when you body is screaming sleeeeep.
The race actually went well and I ended up with 3rd in Elite and more than enough points for the World Cup but I left the event feeling shattered. My second run my body just couldn’t respond and I had to pull way back.
Jonty the Babysitter
I realised that I need to find a new balance point.
The easiest way to do that is to relax, let go of expectations and just go with the flow!
Happy Dad
