Monday, March 10, 2014

Enjoyment of the Race

The 5 senses
I was fluctuating between total calm anticipation and that physical impulse for a nervous toilet stop. Everywhere around me were confident cyclists wearing helmets, lycra and coloured tags. Most of the green tags were disappearing. I was green. The commentator kept announcing new numbers and the colour they belonged to. Not my colour, not my number. The chatter merged into one continuous sound and then she appeared... Nicky, running strong and upright. I cheered her on and smiled at the echoing support from my colleagues to the left. 

Quickly, I carried the bike forward and rammed my left leg up against the gates. I called Nicky's name and she ran towards me. In a brief panic, she transferred the electronic bracelet to my ankle. I would find out later that Nicky attached my leg to the metal post at first and that my hairy ankle had almost made her vomit!

With urgency, I ran my bike towards the marshals and got on my seat as soon as I could. My legs eased into the rotations as I breathed in the sea air. Faint smells of barbecue dissipated into the distance. My bike cut through the bumpy road, propelled by those racing wheels Stephen had added and my newly discovered enjoyment of the race. I was free. Completely alive in the moment.


The Parkvale crew. Where's Nicky?

13 comments:

  1. Lycra for one of your birthdays Mr Moriarty?

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  2. Mmm, hairy ankles.

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  3. It sounds like you had an amazing time at your race and really enjoyed

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  4. well done teachers hope you did really well hope you had a great time

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  5. I hope you did well mr Wright might of had a hard time being the kayaker.

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  6. Great detail Mr Moriarty. It was a great race! Shame that green cap didn't appear out of the water sooner!

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  7. It was a great day of pushing ourselves to the limit and doing our personal best! I love your recount Mr Moriarty, especially the anticipation I could sense through your choice of words. I nearly vomited because I had run my hardest not because of your hairy ankles.

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  8. I'm back in the moment when I read your version of the race. So true Mr M, the waiting and anticipation of getting going was the adrenalin moment. Well written, must start training for next year!!

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  9. I really enjoyed riding next to you Mr M! Your writing explains how many of us felt while waiting nervously at the transition area. The staff should be very proud of their modelling of Parkvale Pride.

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  10. I hope all the teacher did wale from nasa

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  11. That is a outstanding photo its all the teachers in Parkvale school thank you for sharing

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  12. WOW teachers amazing parkvale PRIDE

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  13. Brilliant, authentic, colourful and inspirational writing Mr Moriarty. Top effort!!

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