by Tim the Pineapple
Our cycling team started to form a single line draft, and I focused all of my energy on finishing the race. The distance around the course seemed endless, and I was hit with a harsh reality: I had only been going a few minutes, and had 55 minutes more to the finish line. My legs were tired and my chest burned, but all I could do was to stay focused and keep pace with the team.
One by one, my teammates began to fall back, until I looked back and realized I was the only team member remaining. I looked around me and saw that the competing teams were also down to one member each. I worked together with my competitors, drafting with them and trading words of encouragement.
When we heard the final lap bell ringing, we all started to slow down in order to save energy for the final sprint toward the finish line. As the sprint began, I focused on my target and pedaled as hard as I could, pulling ahead of the pack; when I was just about to cross the line, however, another rider suddenly passed me and crossed the line a fraction of a second ahead of me.
I was frustrated, but also felt elated to find my months of hard work paying off. The lessons and skills I learned in cycling have affected the way I approach life, and have made me more goal-oriented and proactive.
The sport of cycling requires both physical and mental stamina. As the cyclist's physical strength is depleted, he must rely upon his mental strength to finish, and must focus not on placing first but merely enduring the test. While some people are natural born cyclists, other people, myself included, must work extremely hard to develop racing skills.
I now use the discipline and mental endurance that I have learned in racing to approach all of the other challenges in my life. I have realized the importance of dedication, and know that I can accomplish anything, no matter how insurmountable it may seem at the time.
Cycling is a true team sport, and requires total cooperation among the team's members. A successful member must provide his teammates with respect, encouragement, dedication, and a positive and inspiring example. These values and ethics can be applied to almost any other situation in life.
How has cycling helped me?
As I improved in my performance in cycling, I also became more dedicated to my academic work, applying my discipline, determination, and desire for excellence to my classes. I use the strength and skill I learned from cycling and use it for my daily activities to my academic work it helps me to be dedicated and to do my best till the end, no matter how painful and hard it is.
As days pass I try to do my best to achieve my goals and dreams. This same sense of determination has led me to pursue my biggest challenge yet: a higher education.
With a stronger academic background, I can better pursue my own ambitions and goals; in addition, I look forward to the opportunity to help and encourage my classmates in this exciting and challenging new setting - through hard work and dedication.
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