If you run, swim, or bike, you’ve probably said it too—”I’m never doing that again.” And yet, once the soreness fades, we start looking for the next challenge.

Right now, I’m writing this to the song “Daydream”, and I’m making this dream public:

 I’m going to complete a full IRONMAN.

That’s a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile run.

I remember finishing my first 70.3 and being overwhelmed with joy, because I did something I never thought possible.

This isn’t about saying, “Look what I can do.”

It’s about showing you what YOU can do.

So here’s your nudge:

Think about the thing that scares you.

The thing that feels too far out of reach.

Now set that as your goal.

You are capable of more than you can imagine.

And I’m here cheering you on every step of the way.

Let’s chase the impossible.

And don’t forget to have a Fantastic Friday 

Let me take you back to two years ago.

A great co-worker roped me into RAGBRAI, a legendary bike ride across Iowa with over 30,000 riders. It is a rolling festival of endurance, sweat, and camaraderie. It’s a blast… and a grind.

But I didn’t just ride it; I rode it on a single-speed mountain bike.

One Gear.

Hundreds of miles.

No shortcuts.

Just long, hot days on two wheels with one choice: keep going.

I chose the challenge because I knew I could do it. And because there’s something powerful about committing to a goal that demands your full effort.

This summer, I’m heading back. But I’m facing a new decision.

Road Bike… or Single-Speed Again?

This time, I have options. I could ride a road bike with more gears, a smoother ride, and easier climbs, a wise choice.

But part of me wonders:

Would it still feel as fulfilling?

But I’m torn.

Do I take the smoother ride? Or rebuild my single-speed and test my resilience again?

I know I’ve got the mindset to finish.

I don’t know which route will help me grow the most.

A Question for You

Have you ever chosen the more challenging path not because you had to but because it made you better?

Would you go for a more leisurely ride?

Or chase the challenge, knowing it could change you?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

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Thank you for your time, and have a Fantastic Friday.