A friend once asked me: "Why do you do the grind?" I thought about this and the only thing I could come up with was: "Because I'm insane." Later that day, I thought about it again and I came to a decisive conclusion. Yes, I'm insane (FYI, none of this actually happened. I'm just adding this for dramatic purposes). No, really. Why would I of all people love to hike up a 2,830 step staircase? I used to hate it, and now, after my 10th grind, I've learned to love it. If you haven't figured out already, I hiked the Grouse Grind on the weekend.
I hiked the grind in 2 hours, mediocre I know. On my way up, I realized how important motivation was because I would only be able to climb a few steps before having to rest again. Then, halfway through the final quarter, I stumbled across my friend and he was on his way to finish just over an hour. Anyways, I hiked up with him and didn't stop for the rest of the way. If he hadn't come, I probably would have taken 3 or 4 more breaks during that climb. On the way, he stopped to talk to a random stranger:
"The Grind brings a real sense of community. Even though we are individual hikers, we are all hurting toward one goal together."
It really made me want to steal the quote and make it my own.
I hiked the grind in 2 hours, mediocre I know. On my way up, I realized how important motivation was because I would only be able to climb a few steps before having to rest again. Then, halfway through the final quarter, I stumbled across my friend and he was on his way to finish just over an hour. Anyways, I hiked up with him and didn't stop for the rest of the way. If he hadn't come, I probably would have taken 3 or 4 more breaks during that climb. On the way, he stopped to talk to a random stranger:
"The Grind brings a real sense of community. Even though we are individual hikers, we are all hurting toward one goal together."
It really made me want to steal the quote and make it my own.
This is the beginning of a new and improved Andi.. and I don't even mean the fitness part. Answering WHY is critical in being a thoughtful and mature adult. It will also help with keeping you a life long learner instead of thinking you have all the answers. WHY is complicated. I am not pumped on your answer BUT I love your quote. That quote references part of what you are feeling when doing the grind with your family AND relates to the success our class had too. I can see some honest and serious light behind the normal Andi humour and frustration with PE.
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