ENDURE: June 27, 2014

The Turn-Around...Looking Forward to See What's Behind You

Spoiler Summary: The transition is not all the way done, but we can't stop moving now - the turn-around is right in front of us.

It's probably because it's racing season.  Of course it could be because this year's "big race" (Ironman Lake Placid) is lurking only a few weeks away.  Then again, maybe it's because I'm wrapping up the "build" part of my training, which just happens to be the most grueling, very soon.  Or perhaps it's because Human Achievement is far more often a marathon than a sprint.....but now more than ever, I'm seeing Element #4 everywhere.

Numbers 1 through 3 are undoubtedly the foundation.  We could talk all day (and sometimes we do) about MOVE, FUEL and RECOVER and why without the proper dosage of each you couldn't possibly achieve; and there is absolutely NO discounting the importance of element number 5 - a lack of CONNECT (aka loneliness) can have a massive impact on health.  One University of Chicago Psychologist for example found that loneliness carried with it TWICE the risk of obesity on premature death in our later years; but lately, for me, it's been all ENDURE all the time.

In triathlon, course directors have a funny way of using a section of "out and back" on the run section.  It probably started as a way to get the extra ".2" needed to make the course a legit marathon (26.2), but it has become a tradition in the sport, the ultimate checkpoint where you can size up your competition for a brief moment as you run toward each other.  Runner #1 turns at the cone and heads back into town, runner #2 has not yet reached the cone and they are running toward each other.  It's not uncommon for each racer to glance at their watch so they can see exactly how far ahead (or behind depending) they are. Both try to put their game-face on and not look overly tired or sapped of energy.  The first puts off their best version of "you're not going to catch me today" and the second responds with "I've got a bunch left in the tank and I'm coming for you".  At that moment, it's about mind winning over body; about a conscious effort to ENDURE whatever is going on at the moment and find a little more.

And so we're there.  It's the end of June, we've reached the turning cone and are getting ready to head back toward the finish (of 2014) AND the start (2015).  6 mos in the rearview with a few of the moments and challenges right on our heels putting on their game face......and 6 mos ahead, telling us we're 1/2 way there to the finish line.....and the amazing sense of achievement that comes from executing a great race and holding off the competitors behind us.

It hasn't been a perfect year.  Many of us had to get over, around and through one of the most difficult winter seasons in a very long time. Several didn't get off to the start they had hoped on the safety, health, prevention or well-being fronts.....but it didn't stop and neither did we.  Now we're feeling the heat.....and juggling the summer.  Soon enough we'll be wondering what the hurricane season will look like and if we'll be lucky enough to be spared.  No matter, because the formula doesn't change:

MOVE enough, FUEL the right way, RECOVER fully and we can ENDURE......Hold your head up and put on your game face, you've made the turn and are heading toward the finish.....the final six months won't be easy, it never is, but it will be doable.....and there's always a great party at the finish line.....with plenty of folks ready to CONNECT.

Now go do something extraordinary,

Mike Eisenhart, PT

Managing Partner Pro-Activity