Learning the Hard Way

I would venture to guess that I have learned nearly every lesson in my life the hard way. Further, I would argue, I have learned many of the lessons in my life the hardest way. It’s what made school so difficult for me. Teachers, being well-meaning, always wanted me to learn by reading or listening. It was safer. I wanted to learn by doing. More dangerous, often, but the lessons learned the hard way aren’t forgotten easily.

The 100 Days Challenge has been no exception to that rule. I’ve already documented that what I thought would be a small group of enthusiasts turned into an enormous enthusiastic group. So, I’ve learned the hard way not to post my intentions on Facebook unless I’m prepared for the world to know. But, at day 96, I’m still moving every day, still committed.

But, I’m tired. T-I-R-E-D. I’ve examined every other aspect of my life and can only conclude that, for me, moving every day for 100 days made me tired. That part is clear. The bigger question is why. Why am I tired?

I’m tired because like every other important lesson, I’ve had to learn this lesson the hard way. You see, as much as I’d like to think I’ve simply been moving every day, the truth is – in my mind – I’ve been training every day. Even though I’ve done almost nothing but walk every day, I’ve walked with intensity. I’ve trained. I’ve pounded. I’ve tried to go farther. Tried to walk faster.

It wasn’t like I didn’t know that I couldn’t train every day. I’ve written BOOKS about that. What I didn’t know was that I couldn’t fool my body into thinking that I wasn’t training when I was – well -TRAINING.

What am I going to do on day 101. I’m pretty sure that I’m going to rest.

Waddle on, John John “the Penguin” Bingham, Competitor Magazine columnist Author, The Courage to Start, No Need for Speed, Marathoning for Mortals and Running for Mortals.

Have a question for John? Write him.