One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned riding over the years and with different people isn’t about how they ride or how many miles you can stack in a day.
It’s about the people.
When you ride with a group, you quickly learn that not everyone is meant to ride your journey. Some are there for a season. Some are there for the photo. Some love cheering when things are easy but disappear when the things get rough (and it will). A few will quietly have your back without ever asking for recognition. You learn who the real warriors are.
Then there’s the noise….
• Opinions • Rumors • Critics
People who tell you what you “should” change or “Goooood Luck with that” sarcastically – I mean really?! show alittle more support.
The older I get, the more I realize that noise only has power if I give it power.
I’ve spent too much time listening when I should have been sharing. One thing people often misunderstand about me is why I ask so many questions. Is it some weird motive, no. It’s because I want to learn, challenge assumptions, and hopefully make the path a little easier for the next person. The irony is that I probably answer more questions than I ask.
Those quiet thank you and messages mean more to me than likes, comments, or recognition ever could. If something I learned through trial and error saves someone frustration, keeps them safer, or helps them reach a goal they didn’t think was possible, then asking the question or sharing was worth it. Do I know it all?! oh hells no, and I will be the first to tell you that. I don’t sugar coat it.
“The strongest riders aren’t the ones who know everything—they’re the ones willing to keep learning and willing to share what they’ve learned.”
Knowledge isn’t diminished by giving it away. That’s the kindness and legacy I want to leave.
Over the next month, I’m making changes and preparing for the ride of my life…. not because I have something to prove to anyone else, but because I want to discover another level of myself. Not for applause, validation, or for social media. But, For me.
“Growth begins the moment you stop asking for permission to become who you’re meant to be.”
People ask what my strategy is for the big dance. Truth is… you’ll find out soon enough.
Those that truly know me, know I’m not interested in following someone else’s formula. I don’t care who’s popular, who’s talking, or folks prediction on so and so’s placement. I’ve never been built that way. I’m going to ride my ride.
My style. 🙂
People will doubt it. Maybe they’ll cheer. Maybe they’ll criticize every turn and decision I make. None of it changes what happens when I close the lid to my helmet at the start line. I’m focused and dialed in.
“The road has no favorites.”
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: Warriors don’t waste energy arguing with the noise. They keep moving. So let them talk. Let them doubt. Let them underestimate you. Many will never understand what you’re doing. Many are not even part of the LDR community.
For me, this ride has never been about proving to people. It’s about proving to myself that there’s still another gear I have and chasing a dream I have.
The boys are my “why.” They fight battles every single day that they never asked for. I’ll remember who I’m riding for, them and my family. I’ll remember why I started. And I’ll keep twisting that throttle. Because that’s what warriors do.
“Be so committed to your purpose that distractions become background noise.”
The noise is just noise. It’s out there and I know MANY people who are trying to deal with the noise. The drama can go suck it.
“Ride with purpose. Let your actions write the story your words never needed to tell.”
Top 5 Ways to Deal With the Noise
1. Know Your “Why.”
When your purpose is stronger than other people’s opinions, the noise fades into the background. Your “why” becomes your compass.
2. Separate Advice from Criticism.
Not every opinion deserves a seat at your table. Listen to those who’ve earned your respect, then decide what fits your journey. Leave the rest behind.
3. Stay a Student.
Ask questions. Learn constantly. The strongest people aren’t afraid to admit they don’t know everything. Growth requires humility.
4. Let Results Do the Talking.
You don’t have to win every argument or answer every critic. Quiet consistency and action will always speak louder than words.
5. Protect Your Energy.
Drama is exhausting. Spend your time improving yourself, encouraging others, and focusing on what you can control. Your energy is too valuable to waste on people committed to misunderstanding you. Here’s a great book to checkout.
At the end of the day, the noise isn’t going away. There will always be opinions, critics, doubters, and people who think they know your journey better than you do. That’s life. The difference is learning not to carry their baggage down the road with you.
Ride your ride. Keep learning. Keep sharing. Stay humble. Stay hungry. And never let someone else’s limits become your own.
–Mark
Miles with MarkyMark 
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