In the past couple of days in talking to people I have some respect for, I heard the word "real" to describe something and someone they thought highly of. In this world of fake news and various facades, public and private, "real" stands out shining as a bright light in a dark place. To be called "the real deal" is a pretty big compliment.
Perhaps trying to be the "real deal" and taking total responsibility for oneself is the essence of endurance sports. In most cases, deep down endurance sports lose the posers. It's quite real out there just you and the road. Things get sifted out and the world becomes quite simple in those moments. Just get me through this next mile to the next aid station. And deep in, it's just get me to the manhole cover just down the road. When you don't think you can take the next step. When you don't think you can get up off the curb and you do, it is then you know. You are the "real deal" in these moments in time. And I think all carry off from our efforts a portion of that achieved authenticity into our being and into our normal lives.
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