Enjoy your pizza

A lot can happen in a little time. The 60 minutes that we spend diligently spinning our indoor wheels, creating intensity rated as "high", can provide profound effects on the three main areas we train. We train our minds to accept, absorb and embrace the challenge of pushing past pain, of experiencing the heat of internal combustion as muscles churn, hearts pump and lungs deliver. If your head ain't in it, you might as well go home and watch the news. We train our bodies to operate with greater efficiency and power, something like an Arabian at full gallop, fast, pure, in the moment. Move it gracefully or go cut wood. And then we train our spirit to supervise all this to choreograph the connectivity with wind, water, space, time, fire, eternity, light, energy and powers beyond our understanding. Get in the flow or go shovel snow. In as little as one hour we can bring profound change to our world. Sometimes it take a lot less.

I am a little perplexed at how many of us (Earth denizens), get the priorities scrambled. It absolutely amazes me that in some circles the accumulation of cash is priority one. With power a close second and 'stuff' an even closer third.

There is nothing wrong with an honest wage.

There is nothing wrong with influence.

There is nothing wrong with having a nice house and a cool ride.

Just as there is nothing wrong with a healthy mind,

a strong functional body,

and a balanced connection with The Great Spirit.

Problems arise when the balance, our priorities and greed, are upside-down. Dealing with these powerful forces, at critical mass, a lot can happen in a little time.

As an example, take a guess at how long it takes to burn the caloric intake from just two slices of cheese pizza on a stationary bike (and moderate intensity)? A Big Mac? And a Whopper?

Diet is just as important to our overall health and fitness as exercise. If you want to dial it up and race, it becomes crucial that you fuel properly. When I spend 60 minutes bustin' my ass on the trainer, I want it to be for improvement, not simply to repay the debt of twenty minutes of greasy fat indulgence and mindless consumption to satisfy an obsession. If I am gonna have a pizza, it will be with friends as celebration.

A lot can happen in a little time. Or, as our mindset balances the training rigors: A little can happen in a lot of time.

Pic: Pizza boxes fill the dumpster in the building where I teach studio cycling. As I stood and pondered the paradox this morning, I wondered if any responsible parties will do both.

Answers: Your actual results may vary, 1.5/1.2/2.0 (ouch)