Cyclist - ride - dating

STRIKING COMPARISON

I went on this ride today with this girl. Ummm, it was, more or less, a blind date.

IN any event, she said she was a triathlete, but new to the sport -- and unlike a photo she'd sent me she was now "more toned." Her photo was unrevealing, so it was quite difficult to know what she meant. Aside from the swim, bike and run training required of triathlon she was also an avid tennis player. So it seemed like a pretty good match.

Then I met her. She didn't look like the physical activities she described. While sort of cute she was probably 20-50 pounds overweight. And moments later, it dawned on me: I'm her and she's me. I don't look like an avid triathlete and rower. I just don't. The societal expectation is that there are no overfat triathletes -- but I'm living breathing proof otherwise -- and so is she.

In the end there was no spark. I'm ashamed (sort of) to admit -- that I simply wasn't attracted to her. The more interesting question was it just vanilla variety "no attraction" or was it: If she were 30 pounds lighter I'd be attracted. And the parallel light bulb went off. AGAIN. I wonder whether she thinks: "He's not my type, but if he were 50 pounds lighter, he might just be my type."

I think this is a realistic analysis.

Having said tha t-- she basically sucked as a triathlete. That girl at the complete back of the back, wtih the maladjusted bike -- who has no idea that tire pressure needs to be constantly maintained -- at max pressure. Who has weird seat height, where her knees consistently come to a 110% angle and then extend down to a 45% angle.

I mean we rode 8.5 miles in 50 mins (~10 miles per hour) -- granted there was a mini climb in teh middle -- but I was barely warmed up and she was out of breath.

Nonetheless -- I don't look like the shape I have. And that's a real sham e-- because there are surely guys who look better than I -- but those are the same guys I ride by in triathlons.

But there sure is a lesson here: Bookcovers cost millions of dollars to produce becuase they sell (and move) books. It may be unpleasant, but it's just the way it is. . .

I think I'm going to go do some sit ups.