Henrik is in the middle of doing something remarkable. An important goal is one in which there is always the possibility of failure. Most cyclists gear their training to relatively short distances between 20-40 miles. With more experience, the thought of a Metric Century Ride looms. Most cyclists can push their way to 62 miles.
Finishing a US Century (100 miles) becomes the standard for pushing the limits of recreational riding. It is the Holy Grail of most cycling enthusiasts.
Ask Henrik why he rides further. He will tell you that the possibility of failure at 100 miles is minimal. To truly stretch, there has to be the possibility of failure. Enter Randonneuring. Randonneuring is long-distance unsupported endurance cycling. This year, it’s qualifying events started with a mild 200K, around 124 miles (Jan). The 300K clocked out around 186 miles (Feb). The 400K on Saturday, March 19, runs 240 miles. At this point, the typical question is, “in one day?” The answer is yes.
The next event will be a 600K which translates to 372 miles (April). The last qualifier before the big ride is a 1000K, 620 miles (May). The final event is a 1200K running 744 miles with a 90 hour finish cutoff. Yes, Henrik will sleep somewhere in the middle, but only about 4 hours.
When you look at your stretch goals, what do you see? An important goal is one in which there is always the possibility of failure. See you on the bike. -TF
Tom–you postulate “An important goal is one in which there is always the possibility of failure.” I personally like that concept as it relates to progressive thinking for people who otherwise limit themselves from realizing their true potential. Simply said “nothing ventured nothing gained.”
It seems to me, on the other hand,that at some point in the continuum, the possibility of failure may be so great (the slope so steep, the bones so brittle) and the consequences of failure so significant (severe injury or other trauma) that the concept of resetting goals to minimize the chance of failure may be the more rewarding course to take. This is more likely to apply to those of us long in the tooth who are enjoying the fruits of past successful endeavors, who prefer the bike in the garage and a good walk to the bank.
That said, we are never to old to dream and play the game. My favorite admonition for those who still want to keep their hand in the game is “Never risk more than you can afford to lose, and have the good sense not to let your good money chase after your losses.” Indeed, that squares with your philosophy that, as to those challenges,”An important goal is one in which there is always the possibility of failure. “