"Why do you do this?" everyone asks as they pass us by. Or, "What are you training for?" All the other guys and girls usually turn to me when this this question pops up. I give a myriad of one-liners: "To stay young." "For fun." "SEAL TEAM 6 training." "My doctor says it's either this or electro-schock therapy." "Just to stay in shape." "Life." I like the last one the best. It is closest to the truth. "Life." To be strong in mind and body and spirit for life. Most people have purpose when training which involves a goal or a specific sport, or weight loss, etc. Me, personally, at 44... I train in Strongman for Life. It makes me feel alive. When you pick up a 275 lbs. round hunk of concrete, tearing skin off your arms from wearing tacky to help you with the task, I have said this before... It feels like getting hit by a car and surviving. You feel so alive afterword. You are completely in that specific moment and nowhere else. A perfect Zen experience. Nothing before, nothing after, you are right there. I guess others get this by doing other various things. I also have other things which allow me this pinnacle experience; not to be too sappy but my wife gives me this when I stop and listen to her heartbeat or look deeply into her eyes. Swimming in post snowstorm ocean waters; this gets me there...a few others. I hope you can relate. If you do not have these avenues for feeling alive, in the moment, find them, or one. Meditating leads you there on a moment by moment basis... Love. And of course come down to Strongman, and don't just ask: "Why do you do this?" as you pass by -- try it.
CAP
"Life in every breath, in every cup of tea...this is Bushido." --The Last Samurai
