#4: Set a Goal
The tendency is to think that you just want to “get in shape.” But in order to really make progress, there has to be some point to what you are doing—some concrete place and time you are working towards; otherwise, your training will inevitably turn stale and you will struggle to find the motivation to continue.
In my case the goal was clear: Don’t puke on those massive hills out West. Over time, my buddies and I plotted out the exact ride when were going to attempt, including not just one massive hill but three—each harder than the one that had nearly taken my life. My goal was merely to survive … to make the entire course without bonking.
One of my college roommates, Dave, added a bit of extra motivation by sending along this email to my second college roommate, Brian, once the course had been determined:
Sounds hard but great. Not much of a warmup before Piuma, but I’m happy to do it as long as I know Tom is suffering. That section of Shueren before the summit at Stunt should be very unpleasant for Tom. Also, Tom’s gonna hate those rollers on Mulholland after the brutal, brutal Rock Store climb. Not to mention the fact that nothing in Massachusetts will prepare him for that final, Bataan-like death slog up Latigo during which, for the first time in his life, he will wish he is 5’6″, 130…
Why does it seem as though there is always a reference to Tom’s “alpha male” status? It’s the worst sort of humblebragging: I started out as an alpha male jerk, but congratulate me for getting in touch with my sensitive side now that mortality has come a-knockin’.
Shouldn’t all middle aged men be concerned about their health and fitness?
I was going to comment on the ‘a-word’ too Pedro. I agree.
Who cares about whether he is alpha or not?
Bonking is a slightly antiquated brit slang word for sex. It has a naughtysaucy seaseaside end-of-the-pier type feel to it, rather like the word ‘shag’.
‘bonk’ what a glorious word 🙂
David Lynch’s MULHOLLAND DRIVE is a great film. Naomi Watts gives probably her greatest performance in a hypnotic investigation of fame, love, and ambition in L.A. It’s not a really bad movie. It’s a brilliant piece of cinematic art.
You do look great, though.
Great photos! Looking hot, Tom! Interesting article….middle aged men trying to keep it all fit! My karate sensei ( a 46 yo 6th degree black belt who lifts 300+ lbs and does pushups on his thumbs) has had to face his own health issues: hypertension, a gastrointestinal illness that required an extensive work-up and scared him briefly about the possibility of cancer (all negative!), fertility issues (slightly low sperm count and facing future fatherhood), and stress from unemployment…..I kinda joined karate on a lark and have ended up dedicating a good portion of the last 3.5 years of my life… Read more »
Leia you should write about that, “I think I get men better through relating to them physically”
I liked the article, but could have passed on the “if he can do it you can” part. First, it’s a horribly lazy cliche. Second, it’s not even true — your first line notes your “background in swimming, rowing, marathon running, and kickboxing.” Is that really “if he can do it anyone can” baseline material?
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