Obey the Yellow Light

...and stay out of the red

The past few years I have enjoyed watching the Tour de France. In my opinion, it is one of the most punishing endurance events in the world. Over twenty-one stages, riders in the 2025 Tour covered 2053 miles and climbed over 172,244 feet (that’s almost six times the altitude of Mt. Everest). The mountain stages are truly awe inspiring, and agonizing to watch.

In cycling, there is a significant advantage to riding with others -- not just for morale, but for pacing and aerodynamics. This becomes extremely difficult in mountain stages with brutal inclines. If capable, riders will push the tempo in an effort to “crack” their opponents and leave them on their own to struggle up the climb.

When a rider show signs of distress, their coach will instruct them to find their own pace, and “stay out of the red.” This phrase references a rider’s instinct to push harder, at an unsustainable pace, in an effort to keep up or close gaps. Cyclists who exert themselves beyond their immediate capabilities not only put themselves at risk of “cracking,” but may cost themselves the physical ability to continue in the tour. In many cases, by slowing down, finding a comfortable tempo, and staying out of the red the rider is able to recover and stay in the race (sometimes even get back with the group).

Life is crazy. We get overwhelmed with work, task lists, activities, news (yep), and the frenetic pace of the world. How often do we metaphorically push ourselves into the red -- trying to maintain an unsustainable pace?

Recently, I was texting with my uncle. In response to a query about how he was doing, he responded,

Hanging in there. Trying to obey the yellow light.

Obey the yellow light. Indeed!

That yellow light is an indicator of an unsustainable speed (or effort). It lets us know that we may be on the brink of going “into the red.”

Slow. Down.

In a world that is addicted to worry and hurry, we should remind ourselves to slow down when our brains and bodies throw out the caution light.

It doesn’t mean we have to come to a complete stop (although, that might be okay as well).

Pause. Breathe. One thing at a time. Proceed with caution.

Obey the yellow light. Stay out of the red.

P.S. If I am writing about something of this nature, I do so from the perspective of one who struggles (not as an expert). If this resonates, know that I am in the boat with you.

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This post is an edited combination of writing that was originally published to my personal blog.