3: it's a magic number

Showing up pays off in spades; or at least in medals. The boy finished 10 cross races this year which landed him in third place overall for both the MAC and PA Series in U19 Beginner category.

He persevered through pedal failure at Fair Hill, running the final half of the course. Note the missing right pedal which he has stashed in his jersey:

(Dennis Smith Photo)

He trudged though the Mercer muck with nary a complaint, unlike his sad sack mother who must have dropped 800 F bombs. He didn't even mind when his leg warmers (arm warmers posing as leg warmers) drooped.At Highland Park, when the pedal fell off again (stripped crank arm), he managed to push through with as much grace and dignity available to a mud encrusted human. He ignored the soul-crushing officious official at Beacon who immediately lectured him about receiving help at the barrier after he crashed and found himself tangled in tape. (Personally, I would like to thank the kind spectator who "broke" the rules and helped the 75 pound 11 year old dis-entangle himself and continue on to the Amphitheater of Pain). Can we save the rules until he's 12? He chose not to race day 2 of Providence and pitted for me instead. I flatted on the first turn, and he handed off his bike as would a seasoned pro, made nice with Mavic neutral support to get a wheel change, and exchanged bikes again like a pro.

He usually came in last (DFL) or nearly last (NDFL). The U19 crowd is a mixed bunch, and when the 18 year old kid who races with the B men lines up next to you, what are you supposed to do? Race your little heart out, that's what. After the Whirly Bird race, he declined a fishing expedition with his Dad, opting instead to remain at the race and help the announcer identify racers on the course. Note the snazzy binoculars:Jimmy's finest race was the Hillbilly Hustle, and not just because he won. He got the hole shot, picked himself up from crashes, and raced the entire course with courage, conviction, and purpose. He was too tired to engage the victory salutes he practices in the back alley. I think this win will propel him into the next season with some added confidence.
It's a fine line between converting a neophyte and scaring him off with excessive proselytizing. When the Dark Side invited him to race on their squad next year, the boy replied "Sure!" without a second thought. I asked him repeatedly if he really wanted to, and he finally said, "Mom, I think you keep asking me because you enjoy hearing me say that I do." I just want to make sure he wants to do it for himself, and not to please me.

Well, I could not be more pleased with him. In addition to being a trooper about racing, he is a good sport. No trash talk. No whining. No excuses. When he says, "I only came in third overall because I showed up," I remind him that that's 90% of the game and not to diminish his overall podium finish. He's 11, riding a modified mountain bike, racing against kids twice his size, and not complaining one bit. He might be 3rd overall, and sometimes DFL, but he's made it to podium in terms of life skills because he suits up and shows up.

I think I should hire him as my life coach.