Yes! I listened to David Goggins' book "Can't Hurt Me" on audiobook this summer while doing my cycling over the summer, and I swear I rode 2 X far as I thought I could each day while I had Goggins's story in my ear, inspiring me on.
This is so relatable Jack. I definitely got caught in the trap of trying to optimize too much for Zone 2, sometimes going to a Stairmaster instead of a hike.
Exercise has felt more a chore for me lately! Maybe that’s because it’s solo and not with teammates or other people, but either way: if my Zone 2 metrics suffer for me to go hiking, it’s so worth it.
You’re really onto something here. Haven't thought of solo exercise this way, but I can see it now, beyond just endorphins and entropy management. I've noticed some of the same anxiety from my biotracking and more recently the differences in how I feel when not tracking or leaving my phone at home on a run. The unseen costs of overoptimization. Eager to see how this goes for you. Such soulful prose too. Loved it.
I loved a lot of it but this the most: "I lost touch with my intuition. I was no longer testing my spirit, overcoming a challenge, or embarking on a journey to become like those who inspire me."
Oct 19, 2023·edited Oct 19, 2023Liked by Jack Dixon
Exercise has felt like a chore for me lately as well. I stopped consuming the over optimized exercise stuff and I try to just focus on showing up and enjoying it. It's way less pressure that way.
I love the story about your home gym at the start. It was nice reading about where your love came from. Excellent writing and storytelling!
This is an awesome article and really struck home! Could I actually go for a run without my phone to track it? Can I just play in my new home gym and not obsess about progressive overload all the time? Can I change up my weight training program whenever I feel like it to enjoy playing with my new landmine, or other toys, even if I'm not "done" with the plan that was supposed to last me 8 weeks? Great stuff to think about. Thanks for the wake up call!
What an exceptional piece of writing, Jack!!! I love it!!! Well done! And what a truly inspirational message for our “exercise” mindset!!! You’ve removed the “clinical” and theoretical angle of fitness and replaced it with something more meaningful and personal and MUCH more inspirational!!! To keep a focus on our consistent commitment to exercise comes from somewhere within ourselves. When struggling to find joy in our workouts, you offer clarity and direction by sharing what motivates you the most. The excitement you are able to harness and inject into your routine by reframing your mindset is such a valuable lesson here! Thank you for continuing to help us grow and develop our longevity infused lifestyles!
Loved this: “buying into the science robbed me of the beautiful suffering exercise used to provide me.”
When I was marathon training some years ago one day I forgot my watch. I was so bummed. It was the best run I ever had - never being more present to my surroundings and in tune with my spirit.
Yeah man, I know this feeling. I was always more productive in the weight room when I had an external goal - excelling on the football field, training for a powerlifting competition, etc. It was always harder when I was training to just “stay in shape” or “look better”. Learning to love the process for the sake of the process is a difficult thing to do.
Yes! I listened to David Goggins' book "Can't Hurt Me" on audiobook this summer while doing my cycling over the summer, and I swear I rode 2 X far as I thought I could each day while I had Goggins's story in my ear, inspiring me on.
This is so relatable Jack. I definitely got caught in the trap of trying to optimize too much for Zone 2, sometimes going to a Stairmaster instead of a hike.
Exercise has felt more a chore for me lately! Maybe that’s because it’s solo and not with teammates or other people, but either way: if my Zone 2 metrics suffer for me to go hiking, it’s so worth it.
You’re really onto something here. Haven't thought of solo exercise this way, but I can see it now, beyond just endorphins and entropy management. I've noticed some of the same anxiety from my biotracking and more recently the differences in how I feel when not tracking or leaving my phone at home on a run. The unseen costs of overoptimization. Eager to see how this goes for you. Such soulful prose too. Loved it.
Such a great piece, wow
I loved a lot of it but this the most: "I lost touch with my intuition. I was no longer testing my spirit, overcoming a challenge, or embarking on a journey to become like those who inspire me."
Exercise has felt like a chore for me lately as well. I stopped consuming the over optimized exercise stuff and I try to just focus on showing up and enjoying it. It's way less pressure that way.
I love the story about your home gym at the start. It was nice reading about where your love came from. Excellent writing and storytelling!
This is an awesome article and really struck home! Could I actually go for a run without my phone to track it? Can I just play in my new home gym and not obsess about progressive overload all the time? Can I change up my weight training program whenever I feel like it to enjoy playing with my new landmine, or other toys, even if I'm not "done" with the plan that was supposed to last me 8 weeks? Great stuff to think about. Thanks for the wake up call!
What an exceptional piece of writing, Jack!!! I love it!!! Well done! And what a truly inspirational message for our “exercise” mindset!!! You’ve removed the “clinical” and theoretical angle of fitness and replaced it with something more meaningful and personal and MUCH more inspirational!!! To keep a focus on our consistent commitment to exercise comes from somewhere within ourselves. When struggling to find joy in our workouts, you offer clarity and direction by sharing what motivates you the most. The excitement you are able to harness and inject into your routine by reframing your mindset is such a valuable lesson here! Thank you for continuing to help us grow and develop our longevity infused lifestyles!
Loved this: “buying into the science robbed me of the beautiful suffering exercise used to provide me.”
When I was marathon training some years ago one day I forgot my watch. I was so bummed. It was the best run I ever had - never being more present to my surroundings and in tune with my spirit.
Yeah man, I know this feeling. I was always more productive in the weight room when I had an external goal - excelling on the football field, training for a powerlifting competition, etc. It was always harder when I was training to just “stay in shape” or “look better”. Learning to love the process for the sake of the process is a difficult thing to do.