- I believe a woman can be lean mean, hard and soft.
That's so true, BUFFEDSTUFF. My regular climbing partner in the UK was one of those women. Graceful and flowing, yet hard as nails. I remember doing a 1500ft climb with her in Spain. We started up in blazing sunshine, but as the day went on it got colder and the heavens opened when we were about halfway. Wet and increasingly cold, I suggested we rappel off. "No way" she said, and proceeded to grit her teeth and get on with the job. We eventually topped out, soaking wet, a couple of hours later. The top section was one of the best climbs I've ever done, all thanks to her.
WONGERCHI 8/24/06 1:55 P
That's a great question!
My personal take on this is that it's a bit of both. I try and to treat my "body as a temple" by eating right, getting enough sleep, water, not overtraining, etc. However, because I know I'm doing this the "body as a challenge" mentality that I've always had can be more confidently explored. Knowing that my body is fuelled up well, I have more confidence pushing myself during, say a marathon squash rally, or sprinting that last 500 metres after a 20 minute run, or a final set of increased weight. Like you, I love that alive feeling that you get when you do something you never thought you could...
Edited for typos. Must learn to proofread post before sending.
RUSS1985 8/22/06 1:45 A
I tend to gravitate toward the challenge mind set. My coaches always preached and taught us to "Push yourself". Figure out where the outer limit is and see if you can push beyond it. I catch myself trying to sneak in a new 6 rep max weight into my workouts and I'm back up to 200 on the bench, but you're right. It's wholly a personal decision.
BUFFEDSTUFF 8/22/06 12:49 A
why not both. I mean I push my body hard I play with the big boys in the gym so to speak. I believe a woman can be lean mean, hard and soft.
VERNONHEATHER 8/19/06 3:34 P
Alright - so here's a question I've been wrestling with a few days now, and it's such a personal question that I know there's no right or wrong answer. I'm just trying to articulate it, and maybe if I see what other people think I can put my thoughts in better order.
Basically - I see two general ways of internal motivation/mentality regarding 'elite' athletes (and to a lesser extent us rookies too). One is the 'body as temple' theory - ie. treat your body with the worship it deserves with good food, good actions, respect, etc. The second, and the one that I'm a follower of, is the 'body as challenge' theory. Basically, I want to push my body into the upper limits of abuse simply because it can take it - I want to feel it primally, at the utmost levels of pain. Just to feel alive really.
Sorry for the ramble, but please please feel free to share your thoughts.
Heather
PS: Body hangings/suspensions are what stimulated this line of thought, if that helps anyone understand my rambling post.
