How I Turned my Biggest Adversity into my Winning Advantage
By Optibike Founder Jim Turner
When I was 19 years old, I was hired by the Suzuki Factory to win the Canadian National Motocross Championship; this was my first full factory ride. But there was one big problem. I was doing well in pre-season races, but I was getting tired and afraid I didn’t have what it took.
Races too Long
In Canada, I had to race both the 250cc and 500 cc classes in the same days. Each race was 35 minutes long, for a total of 2 hours and 20 minutes of racing per day, plus practice in the morning. I was not used to this, and it tired me out. I was afraid I would not be able to win the championship.
Muscles Locking up
During the race my quadriceps would begin to tire and hurt. (these are the same muscles you feel when riding a bicycle up hills). I began to get discouraged and feel I didn’t have what it took. I began to train harder, more running and riding during the week, but still the quadriceps began to burn during the race. With four races a day, I could not afford to get tired. There was no room for fatigue.
My Big Mental Change
Then one day I had an idea. I mentally decided that I was more fit than all the other riders, that I could out ride anyone, anytime and anywhere. So, this meant that when my quadriceps began to tire, it was not a bad sign but a wonderful sign!
In my mind I said,
“If I was tired, the other riders were REALLY tired, and I was poised to win”
Looking Forward to Pain
I began to look forward to my quadriceps beginning to burn; this meant I was on the path to victory. I had programmed my mind to believe that pain in my legs and fatigue was a positive sign. This made me relax and the race was easier. When pain came, I knew I was going to win. Eventually, I would actually speed up when the pain came in my legs, even though I was tired!
The pain didn’t stop but the winning got easier.
I had taken something bad, “pain in my quads” and turned into a positive sign. I still hurt, but it made me more confident, as it was a sign that I was soon to win. And as I won more races, it became a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more races I won, the easier it was to win more.
What I learned
I learned to take a bad situation and make it into a good one. I learned to keep going when things seem bad, turn it into your friend. You must take the first step, and it is always a leap of faith, to get where you want to go. Take the leap of faith, believe in something and go for it. Your commitment turns your dreams into reality.
Epilogue 2011
After nearly 30 years of not racing or riding motocross, I began riding with my sons. I still had the rhythm, though my eyes see less and my reflexes are slower. It is still fun riding. When my son began racing, he convinced me to compete in a 1.5 hour Hare Scramble Motocross. I was nervous, as I always was before a race (some things never change). At the start I was third, then first. My heart was pounding and I was hyperventilating, my arms began to throb. I wasn’t ready for this!
Exhausted and Ready to Quit
After half of the first lap, I was exhausted! My arms were frozen. I wanted quit; there was no way could I ride the full 1.5 hours. But then I remembered the story from above that I had often told my son and decided that I would relax, do the best I could and finish one lap. After one lap I decided to finish the next. As I relaxed, I felt better and let my natural energy flow, not my fear. Slowly, I got more in the rhythm and my lap times actually got faster as the race progressed. I ended up winning my first race in 30 years. The lessons I learned at 19 still worked today.
Start Your Epilogue Today
We only achieve the future by taking steps today. When we begin, the path is never clear, but if our intent is strong, we will make it. We will find the way. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and take that first step. It doesn’t matter what stage you are at today, start on your path. It is your path and your life to live and enjoy.
If you would like to learn more about the Optibikes and how they can help you achieve your health goals, please email us here or call 303.443.0932
