Ouch, ouch, ouch...and ouch again!

This is the current situation when I walk, sit down, and stand up.
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I don't think there is a muscle in my lower body that doesn't hurt right now.
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And do you know what?
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I wouldn't change it for the world!
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Why?
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Well, let me explain...

This past Saturday, I competed in and finished my toughest event to date.​

A Spartan Beast race in the mountains of Barcelona.
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22km, 30 obstacles, & 1000m of elevation gain.
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The scenery was stunning, the weather was amazing, and the people were awesome.
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I’m currently walking like a penguin and going down steps is a mission,
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But every last ache I’m feeling right now is worth it and I can’t wait to do it again!
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If you've followed me for a while you'll know that in the last year, I've entered a few obstacle races.
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Last time out in Madrid, in May, I completed an 11km race in the morning,
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Then a 6km race at lunchtime.
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That was tough!
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But this was a whole new level of tough!
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The average time to finish one of these races is 4 hrs 45 mins.
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The course and weather play a big role in your time,
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But considering this was my first attempt,
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And with the course being particularly challenging - ranked 3/3 in both terrain and elevation,
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Coming in with a time of 3 hrs 43 mins was extremely pleasing.
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I would say I'm satisfied,
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But I'm not.
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Even though I finished in the top 10%,
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And it's only my 5th race ever and 1st at this distance,
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I know that 59 other people finished ahead of me,
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Which doesn't sit right with me.
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So, I've decided that I'm going to win the same event next year.
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Yep, you heard it here first,
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In one year I'm going to finish ahead of those other 59 people!
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This isn't because I want a shiny winners medal (even though I do),
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Rather, it's simply another example of myself not being content.
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And more to the point,
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It gives me another reason to push myself to be an even greater version of myself.
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Healthier, stronger, fitter, faster, & happier.
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Oh and so you're aware,
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1st place finished exactly one hour quicker than me.
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That means I have a LOT of improving to do,
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A prospect that makes me very excited!
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This isn't an email to gloat or tell you my grand plans,
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Although I'm now publicly accountable to you,
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No, rather I wanted to write this email in the hope that it might inspire you to actively seek out challenges in your own life.
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Go and find the 'uncomfortable' stuff and lean into them because I'll tell you right now,
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As sore as I was when I crossed that finish line,
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And my god was I sore,
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That feeling of accomplishment and happiness was a million times stronger!
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Get good at doing the hard stuff, be it a workout or a race,
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And life becomes a little bit easier.
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By the way, in case you need a tiny bit more inspiration,
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In March I'm going to run 3 races in 2 days.
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- 21km + 30 obstacles on Saturday.

- 11km + 25 obstacles & 6km + 20 obstacles on Sunday.

Quote for the day

- Walter Bagehot

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​You should never do anything in life in spite of someone,
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Or to prove someone wrong,
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But...
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Sometimes it feels good to stick the middle finger up to the doubters 😉
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Now go set an ambitious goal and feel free to share it with me.

- Mark