“My goal is to simply inspire others to challenge themselves and to be more active.”—James Lawrence
Today, I thought I would just go back to my exercise science roots and write a little bit about physical “well-centeredness”—more specifically, exercise goals. We all need to have them, but they need not be the same as everyone else.
I listened to an interview the other day with the Iron Cowboy, James Lawrence, who recently completed an astonishing fifty full Ironman distances in fifty states in fifty days! That is a 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.25 km) bicycle ride, and a marathon 26.22-mile (42.20 km) run—times 50!! Simply unbelievable! The physical body would seem incapable of such a feat, and, yet, it has been done. For many, the thought of doing even a 5-km run is overwhelming.
Clearly, we are all under-achieving when it comes to what our bodies are capable of doing. Yes, we all have limitations—whether physical, financial, or time-related. Training for even a single Ironman Triathlon is well beyond most of our abilities. Nevertheless, what are we doing to challenge ourselves physically?
We can always do a little more. Even after completing the 50th day, Lawrence recognized that he could do another, if he so desired. We are capable of far more than any of us currently do.
I am not going to suggest that anyone do anything remotely similar to the Iron Cowboy. I do suggest we expand ourselves some. Commit to taking on a physical challenge to improve one’s self.
Select one fitness goal and commit to it for fifty days. It doesn’t have to be fifty Ironman distances. Just select an area of personal health or performance in which you want to improve, and act. Here’s the catch:
–it has to be difficult (for you),
–it has to be specific,
–it has to be physically demanding, and
–it has to lead to some measurable physical outcome.
Feel free to share your goal and progress in the comment section.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!