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!
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.
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?
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!
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!
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.
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?
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.