How do you deal with fear when engaged in a sport that involves risk of physical injury or death?

I raced bicycles for a number of years, then quit after having a frightening experience with something that my doctor identified as a symptom of a benign sinus arrhythmia - felt like I was having a heart attack.

In a climbing gym, I fell and got flipped upside down and smacked into the wall several times and can't seem to give 100% anymore because I'm afraid of the same thing happening again.

Yesterday afternoon I had my first motorcycle crash - I'm fine, and the bike is mostly fine - and I'm now rather spooked. My gear worked well, the bike needs a new shift lever, and all I'm left with is some bruises and a newfound worry.

I feel like I'm spooking myself out of all the things that I really enjoy doing after having some reasonably benign experiences. So how do others who love sports or other activities that involve risk manage their fears and regain their willingness to push themselves?

Is it silly for me to ask this question?
posted by gkostolny on Jul 12, 2004 - 25 answers

I live in San Jose, CA and I recently got a new (used) SV650S motorcycle. I am looking for tips with regard to doing some touring and/or camping using the bike.

Also, if you have any tips on how to have a more pleasant time getting to Yosemite and the rest of the Sierra than riding through the flotilla of bugs that is the central valley, I'm all ears.
posted by gkostolny on May 13, 2004 - 6 answers