The best exercise is the type that pushes you to the edge–works you as hard as you can, but doesn’t injure you. It’s not easy.

The century is a lot like that for me. It’s a really long ride by most people’s standards–100 miles–although it’s a lot easier on the joints than the marathon is. It’s hot, it’s hilly, and it takes hours upon hours. I often cramp and last year I got heat stroke. No permanent damage, but not fun either.

On a smaller scale, so is swimming. I’m still an awful swimmer and I don’t know if I’m going to get much better–if I get any better at all. I impress no one, but I’m so out of breath after a lap I think I’m getting a great workout–as long as I don’t drown.

Pushing yourself as hard as you can without hurting yourself is the best, most efficient training–but it’s hard to do. Are you willing to ride the risk of injury to get better?

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