The thick of the -bers

Headspace

Been thinking on Halloween. I have an affinity for the months that end with ‘bers. It started with secular inculcation, then I moved into observation and experiential learning, then I participated and adapted. Now I feel I have more control of how I react to things during these prized months of the gregorian calendar year. The ‘bers have been where much of my resilience was forged through a grand diversity of lessons learned. I am in my 49th tour around the sun on the 3rd rock from the sun. The biggest thing I understand to date is just how little i know.

How about a quote?

“The first principle is not to fool yourself – and you are the easiest person to fool.”

Richard Feynman

RF Wiki link

One of the subtle mistakes I often observe is something I fell prey to, as well. Take swimming for example. In the 3 sports of triathlon it is often the most under respected of the three. But is requires persistent and consistent discipline. The harder you try it seems the slower you go. So, instead of providing the wrong energy and in mass quantity, rather its the quality of energy that is required. This is where fooling oneself looms large. Have you ever tried to walk fast? And to do it well?

Speed walking is much akin to swimming, but don’t tell that to your local triathlete. They are looking for the next purchase to fix speed. Whether its the newest and lightest bike cockpit. Or some under researched shoe material, give it a price and the promise of purchased speed – the local triathlete has bought another ‘something’ to be faster.

Well to that end, a few years ago in 2017, as I was on that I can purchase things, – I was blessed with my 3 kiddo, and all of a sudden, I could purchase more diapers, not triathlon toys. So, I had to make the choice, and after foolishly building up to run the bear 100, and buying a house, the burnout go me. It was in the ‘bers where I had to come to my reality. I had to make a decision for me. I wanted to be strong, and just let fast be. If I got faster, or not, it would have to follow strength. But the sweet universe is always a wonderful equalizer and in January of this year – 2023, I tore my lower hip adductor.

Today though was the first day in a long time that I was able to get a 30 minute bike session in. Then I got a 750 yard pool swim. Other than the almost cramps today – i’m doing a nutrition study – I was able to do it. SO baby steps, but look – here it is – the ‘bers.