The Colt This article was originally published in Triathlete Magazine, 1999 There once was a car called “the colt”. This 1980 Mitsubishi Colt became my true companion the winter of 1998-1999 when I was living in Sydney, Australia. I had come to Australia to train for 4 months. Eager to get around this wonderful city and to explore all the great spots for training, I knew I had to get a vehichle. I had visions in my mind of a great looking, fast, mod mobile. Everything a cool car should be. Unfortunately, my wallet was a bit thin and therefore, I needed to curb my extravagant desires. I cruised over to the used car lot with my $400 in hand. It was a beautiful day and the sun shone brightly on the fresh paint of the great looking cars in the lot! I surveyed the assortment but soon became disappointed to find that the sparkles of sun reflecting off the cars was much brighter than the chances of my ever driving off in any of these cars. I went into the office and was informed that the cars matching my financial capabilities were out in the back lot. So, I trudged out back and had to wipe my eyes to relieve the sore sight I was met with. An old tan, tiny little car with a big blue streak and the words “limited edition” along the side panel. Maybe 10 years ago that would have been something super cool but to me it seemed utterly tacky. Then I saw the price tag, $400 dollars, exactly what I wanted to spend. I then looked at it from a different angle, seriously considering it’s potential. Okay, so it wasn’t pretty. It had lots of facial blemishes, was truly unfashionable and when I started her up, I found she had really horrible breath. But, she had a certain feel to her. It reminded me of the trees I always seem to buy at Christmas. The ugliest and most malformed ones in the tree lot. But, the ones that seemed to call out "“take me, I’ll be the best tree you’ve ever had. Just give me a chance!”. The Colt had a real personality to it and I felt as though it were begging me to let her show me her stuff. I then went into the office and told the man I wanted the colt. He tried to dissuade me saying he couldn’t guarantee the lifespan of this particular vehicle. He tried to convince me to switch allegiances over to the Volkswagon that was going for $1000. I refused and stuck to my gut. I knew the Colt would do me proud, I just had a feeling. I was given the keys and told not to come crying back if anything went wrong. I thanked the man, went out back and joined hands with my new found friend and companion. I turned the key and off we went. The Colt let out a big boom at first, letting me know how happy she was to have been chosen. As I left the lot, I felt like a penguin, as we jetted back and forth, unable to move forward without a little sputter and stop. Eventually, we got into a rhythm and we left the lot, leaving behind us a cloud of black smoke. Despite her bad breath, and the noxious black fumes exiting her rear at all times, the colt performed beautifully. She made several long trips to the airport and impressed me by clocking 100km's per hour on an especially spunky day. She reved up a storm and seemed to have transformed herself within a couple days, from a stick shift to an automatic. Her clutch was virtually nonexistent. She was a real trooper and successfully carried me from place to place. I was so proud of her! The Colt continued to get me to the pool, the park and the beach. She was so determined and eager tp please. She exhibited incredible endurance. Her speed left a bit to be desired but she always gave a great effort. We caused some near accidents when travelling at busy times of the day. She would fly on the descents but then couldn’t seem to be able to get up the hills with much enthusiasm. So, we would go from about 60mph on the downhill to about 15mph on the uphills, all of the passengers pushing up against the dash board or pushing down our right feet into the ground hoping that it would help propel her up the hill! A funny sight. I was proud of my girl though, I wanted to bring her home to Colorado but knew she was too old to handle the stress of overseas travel. So, I said a teary good bye and thanked her for keeping me safe and for a job well done! The Colt was more to me than just a mode of transportation. She became an inspiration to me. Here was this car, that appeared useless. Didn’t fit the normal picture of a good working car. At first view, one would assume it wouldn’t even start. But, I gave it a chance and to my suprise, I found that this car was the spunkiest, most determined car I have ever had. Despite its old age, it’s physical disabilites and it’s appearance downfalls, the Colt successfully transported me around Sydney for 4 months! She never gave up, she never complained, she just kept working hard, happy to have been given the chance live out her destiny. We can all learn from this. Just because Joe Triathlete comes from inner city New York, no running trails, no great bike routes, and a limited supply of training partners, doesn’t mean he’s not going to come out and kick everyone’s butts! One may say, Joe works too hard and doesn’t have the right training opportunities to be good enough. But, I tell you what, that probably has made him stronger, hungrier and more eager to prove himself. So, beware! We all can accomplish great things and make our dreams a reality if we just follow our hearts and live out our passion. Don’t pay attention to any physical flaws you may have, we all have them. Don’t let any environmental conditions get in the way of what you want. Make the most of what you have and be proud. It’s what is inside of you that is going to make you a winner. So, let it all out, give it your best shot and be like the Colt, overcome any limitations you may have, and be the best that you can be! That’s living! Back to Articles Page

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