This resonates. Go for it, and if I were 20 years younger I’d be joining you. Setting then training to accomplish difficult but attainable goals seems to add a unique richness to life. I finished the Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon in my 30’s, bicycled from San Diego to Charleston in my 40’s, and snagged a brown belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu in my 70’s. There were other athletic ‘adventures’ along the way, but it’s always seemed important to have something physically challenging to work toward. I’m slowing down a little these days but still trying to push the envelope. If you decide to go I’ll be following your preparations with more than a little envy. Given the back story of the event, it seems appropriate to remind you that ‘Fortune Favors the Bold’!
If you do the Fan Dance, or indeed just go back to the Brecon Beacons (or Bannau Brycheiniog as I’m supposed to call it now) be sure to visit Hay-on-Wye. It’s just up the road and has more bookshops per square meter than anywhere else in the world. Just don’t go during the literary festival unless you want to swim in crowds too.
Best wishes for a good holiday season and a healthy 2024.
Training for the Fan Dance sounds like great fun. I have a Bergen and have logged many miles for various charity challenges as well as leading hikes here in the high desert.
If I can offer some advice, don’t even think about “ruck run” training program. The risks of injury are too great. Just a steady program of hikes (or even walks) with progressively more weight in your pack and you will be well tuned for the challenge. Remember, you aren’t a kid anymore so injury recovery takes much longer.
I love it and I think that is a great challenge. I get similar feelings as described in this post as well. I don’t have to work particularly hard to just get a decent score on my annual Air Force fitness test. It also doesn’t feel very representative of my actual physical state throughout the year to me. So I developed a habit of picking something each year to aim for. This year I signed up for the Spring Chicago Half-Marathon in 2024. It will be the 3rd half in my 14+ years serving and will make sure I have to put in some consistent work. I’m only a couple years from 40 and I see this being a habit that I continue for years.
I’ve always wanted to do the Camino. Perhaps it’s lacking the peaks you crave, but there is something to be said about a historic sojourn that’s at once a solitary act and a celebrated human experience. Plus, think of all the people you’d meet!
I hear spring is a good time. Of course, I’d have to figure out how to pack along a fly rod...
A great idea and I wish you allt he best with the preparation for it. I have the same midwinter dreams and the slump in confidence always comes in the new year but push through it!
This resonates. Go for it, and if I were 20 years younger I’d be joining you. Setting then training to accomplish difficult but attainable goals seems to add a unique richness to life. I finished the Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon in my 30’s, bicycled from San Diego to Charleston in my 40’s, and snagged a brown belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu in my 70’s. There were other athletic ‘adventures’ along the way, but it’s always seemed important to have something physically challenging to work toward. I’m slowing down a little these days but still trying to push the envelope. If you decide to go I’ll be following your preparations with more than a little envy. Given the back story of the event, it seems appropriate to remind you that ‘Fortune Favors the Bold’!
If you do the Fan Dance, or indeed just go back to the Brecon Beacons (or Bannau Brycheiniog as I’m supposed to call it now) be sure to visit Hay-on-Wye. It’s just up the road and has more bookshops per square meter than anywhere else in the world. Just don’t go during the literary festival unless you want to swim in crowds too.
There is no place in the English speaking world like Hay on Wye. It is a reader’s paradise.
Jason,
Best wishes for a good holiday season and a healthy 2024.
Training for the Fan Dance sounds like great fun. I have a Bergen and have logged many miles for various charity challenges as well as leading hikes here in the high desert.
If I can offer some advice, don’t even think about “ruck run” training program. The risks of injury are too great. Just a steady program of hikes (or even walks) with progressively more weight in your pack and you will be well tuned for the challenge. Remember, you aren’t a kid anymore so injury recovery takes much longer.
Cheers,
JR
An exciting and worthy goal, Jason. The journey just as rewarding as the destination, no doubt. Can’t wait to follow your progress!
I love it and I think that is a great challenge. I get similar feelings as described in this post as well. I don’t have to work particularly hard to just get a decent score on my annual Air Force fitness test. It also doesn’t feel very representative of my actual physical state throughout the year to me. So I developed a habit of picking something each year to aim for. This year I signed up for the Spring Chicago Half-Marathon in 2024. It will be the 3rd half in my 14+ years serving and will make sure I have to put in some consistent work. I’m only a couple years from 40 and I see this being a habit that I continue for years.
Now I'm inspired to get moving. Have a great holiday Jason. Thanks for all your words and phrases.
I’ve always wanted to do the Camino. Perhaps it’s lacking the peaks you crave, but there is something to be said about a historic sojourn that’s at once a solitary act and a celebrated human experience. Plus, think of all the people you’d meet!
I hear spring is a good time. Of course, I’d have to figure out how to pack along a fly rod...
A great idea and I wish you allt he best with the preparation for it. I have the same midwinter dreams and the slump in confidence always comes in the new year but push through it!