Soapbox Discussion: Integrity

Disappointed to hear (literally and after-the-fact) several racers at last weekend's Cross Out Cancer opted to ride around a low barriers section of the course instead of running/riding OVER them. The argument of some that did was the 'course was not taped all the way to the barriers and so simply stayed within the designated area, which happen to have an opening around...' '...the promoter/course designer should have done a better job...'; whatever, if it makes you feel better about your choices then go with it. Of course if they chose to ride around then something tells me they didn't lose a second sleep about it...

***Picture to the right is 'said' section***

While warming up on the course Sunday I overheard some guys standing at the said barrier section debating on whether to run, ride over, or ride around it, but honestly I thought they were joking about the latter option (apparently not). I saw quite a few tire trails thru the grass during the 2/3 race (and didn't really see any in the Masters) and kept thinking 'no, surely not...' as I ran each time.

What is sadly surprising to me is how cheaply people will sell out/give away one of the only things of which they are in complete control - integrity, fair play, honesty, or whatever else name you give it at such a menial event that is there only for fun. No one local is doing this for a job or living so when these same individuals are faced with 'real life' tough decisions and choices of right and wrong it will not be a shock when poor choices are made designed to cheat and deceive.

This was a glaring issue when Ira and I were competing in Adventure Races as cheating, er, 'taking advantage' of common sense portions were a routine way of the sport up front. Example: Dynamic Earth at Bonk Hard Chill chooses to portage boats for 1/2 mile and opt out of a 6mile paddle section which was clearly defined on the race instructions as a PADDLE SECTION. Was there any 'written' instruction (other than PADDLE SECTION) saying they couldn't do it - no, but then how come they were the only team (out of 50) who opted for this? Another, Alpine Shop at Sunflower 24 chooses to not ride a single track mtb loop (which the instructions clearly show the direction of flow and says to RIDE THE LOOP) and jumps on a road to blast to the front of the race. Their explanation was it didn't say you couldn't ride the road... sad (and more sad is the promoter let them get by with it). Can't tell you how many times in triathlons clear team drafting on the bikes for the leaders was routine. Conclusion: it's everywhere and always will be.

I preach this to my boys on a daily basis; there are two sides to every choice - the one that is right and accepts responsibility (and may potentially lead to harder work, embarrassment, humility...) or the one that most pick which leads to initially the easy way but is always lingering in the background. While this is a huge basis of my Christianity foundations it applies to every aspect of life even if you are a non-believer. My boys are sick of hearing me tell them 'do the right thing every time', but I continually see them do it and grow as individuals. Our society sadly pushes and rewards poor decision making and sees honesty and integrity as a nuisance.

Long and short of it for me is it didn't impact my race (even if I would have been near the front)/life and everyone has to make choices (right or wrong) and as sadly some will always pick the 'easier' one and so willingly give away their integrity for such a minuscule return/reward.