Eu.re.kan/(noun): A person who completes a grueling 3-day event comprised of a sprint triathlon, 100 mile bike ride, and 10K run. But after reflection on probably one of the most memorable events I will ever attend, the Eurekan is more expansive than a simple defintion.
The Eurekan brings out the best in people, and I am not simply talking about physical performance. Sure there were noteable performances across the board. But as I sat back and took in the whole weekend I noticed the best in people. Their best qualities had nothing to do with their physical ability to become a Eurekan, but rather their compassion for the spirit of competition and for their fellow athletes. People went out of their way to be their best for others. Volunteers and event staff spent countless hours to make sure the event was a memorable one. Athletes rekindled old friendships and made new ones.
Time was spent talking, dining, reliving old memories shared together, and creating new ones that will span a lifetime. I watched as people smiled at each other, gave high-fives, and hugs, stopped along the road to help a fellow athlete and stayed side-by-side in order to surmount a challenging event.
The stage for such an event could not have been any better managed or set in a better location. It came together under a devine presence and in this veteran athlete and coach's humble opinion brought a new level of meaning to "multisport family." As everyone left Eureka Springs, I sat on an old street side bench one last time...trying to soak up every moment of a weekend that provided an opportunity for growth, rememberance, challenge, and yes...I'll say it...love.
If you missed this event, I would highly recommend that you make it next year. I have been an endurance athlete for 13 years. I have completed Ironman events, been to Boston, and done almost every type of event under that...and nothing that I have done to date provided me with the same feeling, excitment, enjoyment, and all around pleasure that I received from being at the Eureka Springs Multisport Festival.
Now that I think about it, "Festival" defines it perfectly. An ocassion for celebration. That is exactly what I think many athletes experienced. We celebrated our lives, our abilities, and our friendships. Long live the Eureka Springs Multisport Festival. Until next year I will revel in the memory, and look forward to creating new ones...
4 comments:
Well said Duston!!! Can't agree with you more.
sounds like fun..triple T was like that too
It was an amazing event. Thank you Duston.
It was just incredible to see you again - the extra time spent reconnecting was a happy surprise. What you have written really sums up what the Eurekan is all about and I can't wait to return for more!!
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