Amateur Versus Pro

Last night we ventured into the city (after a swim and run, of course!) to see Andreas Staier perform on the Fortepiano (pre-piano, post- harpsichord instrument). It was an incredible concert at the intimate Zankel Hall.

At the end of the performance, Staier returned to the stage for his encore, but he brought a woman out with him... She was his "homestay" of sorts and as he explained in his thick accent, "The best natural horn playing lawyer."

The audience took a collective deep breath, feeling the nervous energy this woman exuded. She stood on stage in towering heels and dramatic dress. A slight nod and Staier began playing. While the woman hit some of the notes (and I give her GREAT credit for getting up on stage with a professional), she was noticeably shaken and it was difficult to know whether to smile or wince.

It got me thinking about the calculated risks we all take in endurance sports. We all line up to take on the same event and perhaps it's seeing the fluidity and grace of the top pros (there are too many pros that don't really deserve the honor and many age groupers that do!) is what gives us some sense of attainability. I don't think pros are necessary for any of us to race - our desires, especially in triathlon, cycling and running come more from a personal goal standpoint.

In the book "Outliers", Malcolm Gladwell (I confess, I loved the "Tipping Point", but found "Outliers" utterly unreadable), the author, discusses what it takes to achieve greatness - it equates out to something like 10,000 hours of practice.

Think of how many hours many of us practice each week - if 10,000 hours were the bar for achieving greatness, than I think many of us have achieved it! Of course greatness is not a matter of just how long you practice or train. It's never that simple.

Seeing the stark contrast between the professional and the amateur was enlightening, but not for the obvious reason. Enlightening because the professional was open to performing just as happily along side the sometimes-musician and the amateur showed considerable bravery in playing for an audience other than her living room couch.

Triathlon plays out the same way - the tides are turning and the amateur races are becoming more competitive and interesting to watch than the professionals that have reached their peak and can do a 4 hour 1/2 Iron man every time (well, some of them!). Eric's race last year at RI 70.3 was FAR more interesting than what happened in the pro ranks (and Eric beat most of the Pro men racing as an amateur).

I do not expect to see amateur musicians on the stage again any time soon, and in fact, I would venture to say it has never happened at Zankel hall before! But I loved that moment of intrigue as the stage hand brought out the music stand and we all sat in awe for a moment, envisioning ourselves on stage alongside greatness.

Be brave today!