Like Ed said, I really enjoy your writing Michael, and I always look forward to your posts. I love this idea of not letting the mountain win, but what I really appreciate about this post is how you navigate instilling that in your children in a way that is healthy and sustainable. After all, sometimes it’s best to let the mountain win and fight another day (and it’s okay to be pissed about the mountain in the meantime). It reminds me of something my dad said to me often growing up—which I think is from a movie?—and that is “A good man always knows his limitations.” The question, I guess, is when we’re supposed to push past them and when we’re supposed to listen. Anyway, thanks again!
That governor was not something I was well-equipped with before having kids (both for the good things and the bad) but now, having that perspective and, more importantly, that responsibility, helps me keep my priorities in order. Of course, I hope I always remain a little bit reckless in my pursuit of stupid shit! After all, that's where all the fun happens.
I always enjoy your writing, Mike… and this one I’ve personally given the title: “Wisely Accommodating Midlife Realities”. Your choice to pull out of the race seems a wise one… and I hope, in retrospect, you’ve experienced not a ‘lasting giving up’ feeling, rather an ‘I shouldn’t do any permanent harm to my body’ insight!
Bro you are a unit. I played basketball for the first time in ages and could barely get through two games. The honesty with your son is beautiful man. Great read brother.
haha it'll come back, dude. trust me. When my kids were Myles' age, I could barely cobble together a 40 or 50 mile ride on the road, which I can normally do with my eyes closed. it comes back!
I was a never-quit kind of guy, but then my kidneys nearly shut down during a 100-mile run that I wanted to finish. The buckle from that race is still absent from the place in my basement where the other 100-mile buckles hang. It used to bother me, but it doesn't bother me anymore. I've considered trying to run another 100 miler when my kids don't need me as much. Maybe 60?
Yep. It ain't worth it. But like you said, this one's gonna bother me for a while. And that's okay! If the upside of tenacity is what I've been able to achieve in life (and will achieve in the future), I think I can handle the downside of being unneccesarily angry at something like this. Like you said, these races will always be run.
Great article as always. The mantra I used to always repeat to myself on grueling bike rides was "if you're gonna be dumb then you gotta be tough." Good choice on calling it a day. You've clearly learned from experience and you and your family are better for it.
Like Ed said, I really enjoy your writing Michael, and I always look forward to your posts. I love this idea of not letting the mountain win, but what I really appreciate about this post is how you navigate instilling that in your children in a way that is healthy and sustainable. After all, sometimes it’s best to let the mountain win and fight another day (and it’s okay to be pissed about the mountain in the meantime). It reminds me of something my dad said to me often growing up—which I think is from a movie?—and that is “A good man always knows his limitations.” The question, I guess, is when we’re supposed to push past them and when we’re supposed to listen. Anyway, thanks again!
Exactly. When do we say "enough"?
That governor was not something I was well-equipped with before having kids (both for the good things and the bad) but now, having that perspective and, more importantly, that responsibility, helps me keep my priorities in order. Of course, I hope I always remain a little bit reckless in my pursuit of stupid shit! After all, that's where all the fun happens.
Thanks for reading!
I always enjoy your writing, Mike… and this one I’ve personally given the title: “Wisely Accommodating Midlife Realities”. Your choice to pull out of the race seems a wise one… and I hope, in retrospect, you’ve experienced not a ‘lasting giving up’ feeling, rather an ‘I shouldn’t do any permanent harm to my body’ insight!
Love the writing… keep em coming!
To quote a band I never thought very highly of, "I guess this is growing up."
Thanks for reading, as ever!
Bro you are a unit. I played basketball for the first time in ages and could barely get through two games. The honesty with your son is beautiful man. Great read brother.
haha it'll come back, dude. trust me. When my kids were Myles' age, I could barely cobble together a 40 or 50 mile ride on the road, which I can normally do with my eyes closed. it comes back!
I was a never-quit kind of guy, but then my kidneys nearly shut down during a 100-mile run that I wanted to finish. The buckle from that race is still absent from the place in my basement where the other 100-mile buckles hang. It used to bother me, but it doesn't bother me anymore. I've considered trying to run another 100 miler when my kids don't need me as much. Maybe 60?
Yep. It ain't worth it. But like you said, this one's gonna bother me for a while. And that's okay! If the upside of tenacity is what I've been able to achieve in life (and will achieve in the future), I think I can handle the downside of being unneccesarily angry at something like this. Like you said, these races will always be run.
Great article as always. The mantra I used to always repeat to myself on grueling bike rides was "if you're gonna be dumb then you gotta be tough." Good choice on calling it a day. You've clearly learned from experience and you and your family are better for it.
Love the example you're setting.