I grew up in the 1970s and 1980s with two brothers, and sports was the organizing principle behind our lives. We played everything—football, basketball, baseball, hockey, track, swimming, tennis, golf—you name it, we played it. Between organized leagues and pickup games, there was always something going on. Winning and losing defined my happiness.

When I hit college in the late 1980s and early 1990s, sports took on a new place in my life. I still played as many as I could, but my interests expanded beyond simple obsession with the game. I started watching games with my college roommates, noticing the coverage and experiencing sports in a social context. But the game was still at the center. Winning and losing took on a new importance, since I was now living with fans of rival teams. Bragging rights were on the line.

Fast forward to February 2005...winning and losing wasn't as personal. The Eagles Super Bowl loss didn't ruin the following week for me.

That's probably because I've changed as I've grown up. And the world of sports has changed too. Sometimes I wonder whether it's changed for the better.

Don't get me wrong. I'm still obsessed with playing, but now I play a few sports that aren't mainstream—distance running and cycling. I race marathons and love the endurance aspects of running and cycling. I can get lost for hours.