On this Valentine’s Day, it seems only right to write about my Valentine. For certain this blog — nor its subject — wouldn’t exist without her support. I love her and am thankful for the Beautiful Redhead.
Jonathan and Annette Pait
It was my wife, Annette, who got me back on the bicycle. I remember well her question, “When are you ever going to ride your bike again.” She saw how I was sliding physically and what that meant to me mentally as well. Little did she know she was awakening a monster!
She is so supportive of my riding. She helps schedule the family so that while I am able to train, I am also able to have time with her and the children.
Annette isn’t a cyclist. While she helps me with this hobby, it certainly isn’t her own! She does not ride very often, nor does she have any interest in the sport. To me, that makes it all the more special that she allows me to devote the time and effort that I do to this season.
She is an accomplished actor, a former professor, a spiritual counselor, an ardent student of the Bible, and the mother of my children. In so many ways she is a challenge to me with her discipline and selflessness. As they say, I definitely “married up!”
She is also my cheerleader. She may not be a cycling fan, but she is my fan. Even if she doesn’t understand all the nuances of race tactics, she does know how much I want to do well. So, she is there encourage me when I don’t meet my expectations and there to yell as I cross the line with success.
Yes, there are definitely times when I have guilt. This season the training has taken more time than ever. This has added more to the burden that she holds in the family. It is one of the reasons why I know that this type of effort cannot be continued in the future.
This is my experiment and my one opportunity to see a significant jump in my performance. However, success in this effort is not the greatest priority in life. I don’t live for the bike — I bike to live better. Once again, success comes down to a matter of balance. I am so thankful for the Beautiful Redhead for helping me maintain that balance during this period.
