July 2011

photo by Kyle Hamilton

What is it that makes people strive harder, push the envelope, stretch the limits? Over the last few weeks this topic has come up often in conversion, not surprisingly as many of us have had the “blue dot” obsession following Paul Attalla and Franck Gimard race the Tour Divide - three weeks of pushing mentally, physically and emotionally. The word "crazy" comes to mind, because it’s hard to imagine undertaking such a challenge. But that’s our perspective, and perhaps if we had rowed for 72 days to cross the Atlantic Ocean we would look at it a bit differently.

My parents are very supportive of whatever I choose to do, even when they don’t understand what it is that I’m doing. The first time I entered a race I told them I was going to run a half-marathon and they said, “Very nice dear.” And it was the same with each race that followed. When I hurt myself mountain biking, they didn’t understand why I would continue, but came out in full force to cheer me on, snapping pictures, preparing food, and driving to finishes in the middle of nowhere. But I bet they think I’m crazy.

We each have our own experiences, jobs, interests, challenges, goals and dreams. And as we get older, we evolve and our perspectives change. For example, I know plenty of people that still enjoy biking, but have found a new personal challenge (surfing anyone?). I just met someone who is completing his masters at nearly 70. My mom is learning to paint after wanting to her entire life. A friend recently completed her first triathlon three months after giving birth. Another is going back to university 13 years after graduating from high school. And my dad is baking bread. To me, all of that is crazy! But like I said, it’s all about perspective.

In Fernie we are surrounded by people who compete on the national and international level regularly, and those that don’t could hop on a bike, put on a pair of skis, or slip on their running shoes and compete with the best of them. It’s pretty much the case across the board regardless of the playing field, and what never ceases to amaze me is the fellowship – the ability of individuals to strive towards their own goals while celebrating the success of others. Knowing that we’re all rooting for one another sure makes “pushing the envelope” a lot less daunting and I think that’s why there are so many Fernie residents going for it – we’re continually inspired and supported by others in our community.

Perhaps that is why the summer lineup is so fantastic; it's the basic economic principle of supply and demand!