What it's like to lose

Olympic training center in Chula Vista

 If you've known me for any sort of time you probably know that I am somewhat competitive.

I have played volleyball, soccer and am now playing in a super fun flag football league, and let's not forget running events and triathlons. 

One time I was playing volleyball at the beach with some people I knew and had to be reminded that people were playing just for fun, and did not need to be coached.  I guess I felt it was my place to tell them where they were supposed to be and what to do - not so much :)  My friend kindly pulled me aside and put me in my place.

I like competing a lot - but not so much for the winning or losing aspect although that's sort of always part of the fun.  I like the idea of competition because you see people put their best out there and lay it all out on the line and really push themselves beyond what they might think what's possible.

Yesterday our team lost for the first time this season.  We had been undefeated, 6-0 and were playing the other undefeated team that came into the game 5-0.  It was a showdown and tons of anticipation leading up to it.  The game was close in the 2nd half with our team down 20-19 and then the game got away from us, we committed too many turnovers and the other team capitalized and ran away with it.   They played well and deserved to win - but it wasn't easy to take.

I hate losing - it can be super disappointing, especially when you feel like you put it out there on the line and still walked away with a defeat.  How do people deal with it time and time again?  We have a super strong team - that was our first lost of the season yet I was frustrated with it because it felt like we gave it away and could have done better. 

There are 2 teams in our league that have not won a game yet - i cannot imagine what it must be like to go through the losing week after week.  From what I have heard, the first few weeks was dissapointing, but then you accept it - its not good or bad, it just is what it is, and that's that!

So why was I upset over the fact that we lost?  Was it because I felt we didn't do our best, was it because I felt we could have won had we played to our potential, was it because I hate losing?  Who knows, I got into the flag football league because I wanted to have fun and meet some new people and didn't really know what to expect from a competitive standpoint then all of a sudden we're undefeated and going into a big game and poof - we lose.

I've heard this time and time again - it's not really about the outcome, its more about the journey and I can relate to that.  I know that preparing for the Crossfit competitions its about the sweat and tears and the discipline it takes to get prepared to do our best when it comes to lay it all out on the line - but in the long run, does it matter if you win or lose?  Which will i remember more - the win's or the losses?

"Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment.  Full effort is victory."  Mahatma Gandhi