Today we celebrate our 12-year wedding anniversary.
Karel and I met on two wheels. We were set-up by mutual friends. We officially had our first date during a group ride. When we met, Karel was an experienced bike racer who had no swimming skills and only ran a few miles a week in his off-season. I was training for my first Ironman and I was an unskilled cyclist who loved to swim and run. Today, Karel and I share of love for triathlon. Karel has become a speedy efficient runner and my cycling fitness has improved drastically over the years. I still love to swim and well, Karel tolerates swimming.
Since our entire relationship has involved bike riding, I think of marriage just like riding a bike.
Marriage requires work. There are difficult times - like riding a bike in headwind, or up a really steep hill. There are times when you are flying downhill or you have the wind at your back - these are the fun and easy times. And sometimes you fall off and need help. And then there are moments when time just rushes by.
Marriage requires communication and trust. Choices should be made for the good of the team. If individual actions are for the benefit of the team, then the relationship will be a fun ride. Like a bike, marriage requires balance and the right amount of speed. When two people stop working together, it's easy to crash because balance can no longer be maintained. If one person moves at his/her own pace, it may be fun at first but eventually the momentum slows and a wreck may happen.
Marriage requires commitment. Bikes have a lot of moving parts. As the bike ages, you must spend a bit more time on the bike. With so many working parts, you have to be willing to invest time and energy. And if one part is missing, the bike won't work.
Marriage is an adventure. There are hills, valleys, mountains, smooth paths and bumpy roads. Despite the difficult, frustrating and tough days you get to ride through life with someone who want to share the ride with you. Often times you discover things about yourself that you never knew were possible.
Karel and I have been on many bike rides together. Over the years, I've learned that you can't go the distance without some discomfort. But no matter how easy or hard, I wouldn't want to share the ride with anyone else.
