Shrinkage

30 November 2021

“Normal people will accomplish normal things” - Louie Simmons

I can’t remember the last day I missed a gym session. Even during lockdown I was in the corridor with a barbell and a couple of plates. On holidays I find a gym and train. I am sure there was a day here or there. Not many.

A lot of the people I talk to are gym people. They all ask the same question.

‘Aren’t you worried you are going to get small?’

To be honest, I have thought about it. You spend a decade or so in the gym and you know how quick it goes.

The truth is, it is not the way I look that bothers me, it is my mental health. Whatever I lose over the seven or so months, I will get back. Or not. The gym is my mindfulness, it is where I lose myself. No work, no people, no concerns. You and iron.

It has been over a year since I have chased numbers. I have not pulled 200 (440) for a triple in over a year. Have not squatted over 170 (375) for over a year. I could never bench. I went through a year of building, injuring, recovering, building, injuring. So it went. A relentless cycle. I missed it at first. I don’t now. I don't miss being injured.

I am hoping to lose myself on the bike. I am hoping this is where I will find my mindfulness. Maybe I won’t need an escape? With no work and only the road, the tent, the bike, and Shell, maybe this entire journey will be peaceful solitude.

The last picture Shell took of me in the gym, 103 (227).

I will post another picture when I finish the ride.

We shall see.

“Sometimes, instead of what you do in the weight room, it’s what you don’t do that will lead to success.” - Jim Wendler