Mike Across America

Philosopher William James said: “Do something everyday for no other reason than you would rather not do it, so that when the hour of dire need draws nigh, it may find you not unnerved and untrained to stand the test.” I doubt he was thinking about indoor cycling but his thought applies to it very well! With the temperature averaging somewhere between -5 to 20F the stationary bike and I are becoming one. Today I joined the Sanford Wellness center cycling group for 2.5 hours of intervals. I actually participated in two classes separated by 15 minutes (time to grab some calories). Doing these classes is hard if you actually follow the instructors commands – though I doubt most of the class does. My heart rate and perceived effort are through the roof for most of the hard efforts. These efforts are experiences I “would rather not do” as James says, but I do not want to be found “unnerved or untrained” come next June 9-21. So we do the work to the best of our abilities preparing for our “hour of dire need”, whether that be a race, a medical condition, a family or work situation that challenges us.  Nike may say “just do it”. I say “be ready”.