The HARDEST thing I've ever done!
Oct 22, 2024
Ouch!
And ouch again!
This is the current situation when I walk, sit down, and stand up.
I don't think there is a muscle in my lower body that doesn't hurt right now.
And do you know what?
I wouldn't change it for the world!
Why?
Well, let me explain...
This past Saturday, I competed in and finished my toughest event to date.
A Spartan Beast race in the mountains of Barcelona.
22km, 30 obstacles, & 1000m of elevation gain.
The scenery was stunning, the weather was amazing, and the people were awesome.
I’m currently walking like a penguin and going down steps is a mission,
But every last ache I’m feeling right now is worth it and I can’t wait to do it again!
If you've followed me for a while you'll know that in the last year, I've entered a few obstacle races.
Last time out in Madrid, in May, I completed an 11km race in the morning,
Then a 6km race at lunchtime.
That was tough!
But this was a whole new level of tough!
The average time to finish one of these races is 4 hrs 45 mins.
The course and weather play a big role in your time,
But considering this was my first attempt,
And with the course being particularly challenging - ranked 3/3 in both terrain and elevation,
Coming in with a time of 3 hrs 43 mins was extremely pleasing.
I would say I'm satisfied,
But I'm not.
Even though I finished in the top 10%,
And it's only my 5th race ever and 1st at this distance,
I know that 59 other people finished ahead of me,
Which doesn't sit right with me.
So, I've decided that I'm going to win the same event next year.
Yep, you heard it here first,
In one year I'm going to finish ahead of those other 59 people!
This isn't because I want a shiny winners medal (even though I do),
Rather, it's simply another example of myself not being content.
And more to the point,
It gives me another reason to push myself to be an even greater version of myself.
Healthier, stronger, fitter, faster, & happier.
Oh and so you're aware,
1st place finished exactly one hour quicker than me.
That means I have a LOT of improving to do,
A prospect that makes me very excited!
This isn't an email to gloat or tell you my grand plans,
Although I'm now publicly accountable to you,
No, rather I wanted to write this email in the hope that it might inspire you to actively seek out challenges in your own life.
Go and find the 'uncomfortable' stuff and lean into them because I'll tell you right now,
As sore as I was when I crossed that finish line,
And my god was I sore,
That feeling of accomplishment and happiness was a million times stronger!
Get good at doing the hard stuff, be it a workout or a race,
And life becomes a little bit easier.
By the way, in case you need a tiny bit more inspiration,
In March I'm going to run 3 races in 2 days.
- 21km + 30 obstacles on Saturday.
- 11km + 25 obstacles & 6km + 20 obstacles on Sunday.
Quote for the day
"The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do"
- Walter Bagehot
You should never do anything in life in spite of someone,
Or to prove someone wrong,
But...
Sometimes it feels good to stick the middle finger up to the doubters 😉
Now go set an ambitious goal and feel free to share it with me.
- Mark
