During the weekend of the MS150 City-to-Shore tour, my wife and I met two other couples on tandems. What a treat to finally be able to draft not just one, but *two* tandems! (Now I know why we find so many riders sneaking up on us!) Dave & Darcy and Bud & Renee were great riders, and we hope to see them again next year.
I'm sure you all know the benefits of drafting behind another rider. The pros do it - and yes, even in NASCAR. The biggest reason: you can save up to 40% less energy while drafting in a group. Believe me, I quickly noticed it when we were riding at a good clip and found that at times we just coasted. We were actually being sucked in behind them. We would switch off, each taking a turn at the front. It was easy; after our turn we pulled to the left and slowly let the other two pass. When it was safe, we pulled back in behind them. We did this for miles, each taking our turn in the circular pattern.
Then came the pine barrens on Sunday. That road has always been a mental chasm for me. I was simply not strong enough to keep up and found myself struggling to beat that road. The gentle, but ever present uphill slope was bearable. But because I couldn't take advantage of anyone's draft, the headwinds were my downfall. I found myself struggling to the next rest stop where we found our new tandem friends.
My poor wife! She couldn't even pass me to say, "See you at the next stop." She was stuck there behind me as I blew up. By the way, if you ever want to see how good your relationship is; ride a tandem. She was the perfect partner. She was encouraging and kind. And of course, quick to remind me if I was doing something that I shouldn't.
Why do I mention this? Because I think it's a good analogy of working together as a team. Sure, we could have done the ride on our own. But, by working together, we each take some of the burden making the entire effort easier. When one gets tired, another steps up and helps.
Sure, we probably would still make it on our own, but it would be a tougher ride. When riding in a group, learning to take advantage of draft can make the ride more enjoyable.
It's the same in life. Sure, we could be social hermits, isolating ourselves from all those "bad people" out there. But, in the long run, we usually find ourselves becoming isolated from everyone. Riding solo can be beneficial, but we were meant to be part of a group.
There will be times when you're the one blocking the wind and setting the pace. Which means there will be times when you need to learn to step to the back of the line and let others do the work so that you can be refreshed. The strength of the leader becomes the strength of the group. That also means that if you wish to lead effectively, it is required that you take time to step back and let another set the pace for awhile. We all need to rely on each other's strength.
And what if you feel like you're all alone out there? You might be thinking that you're on the steepest hill with the fiercest headwind you've ever experienced. There will be times in our lives that we feel this way. It could be hours, months, or even years. Take it by faith that Jesus has already been there, and he can set the pace. His strength will be your strength. How do I know? Because, I've been there, too.
Follow these steps: First, read the promises in the scriptures. They will remind you of His ever present love and guidance. Second, continually pray. You may not feel up to it, or even think that He's not listening. Go for it anyway. Third, keep in mind that the past is done and your future starts now.
Here are a few scriptures to start you on your way:
Psalm 9:9
II Corinthians 4:8,9
John 14:13,14
Romans 5:9,10
Hebrews 2:17
Matthew 7:7,8,11
Revelation 3:20
John 14:16,17
Romans 8:15, 26, 27
Hebrews 11:16
Titus 1:2
Trust me, you can make it. The hill isn't always a hill, and the winds aren't always a headwind. And if you're in a group already, remember to step back and let others take their turn. In the end it makes everyone strong.
