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Drake Greene's avatar

Great essay John. Brought back fond memories of visiting Melk on the road between Vienna and Salzburg (but I must admit, I was driving a car.) The quote from Cormac McCarthy is beautiful and timely as he died yesterday. I am inspired by your consistency at both writing and training.

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John Nicholas's avatar

Good catch Drake and, I must admit, it was a complete coincidence. A sad day. He was a great writer... might pick up one his books next (Blood Meridian has been on the to-read shelf for a while). Thanks for commenting.

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James Bailey's avatar

John - I loved every bit of this! So glad you weren’t there last Friday so we could see pictures of where you were!

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John Nicholas's avatar

Haha thanks James. I have another outdoor event (trail run up Zugspitze) this Friday so sadly I'm missing out again. I hope we get to catch up soon. Would love to hear about the fly fishing trip.

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Ishan Shanavas's avatar

Man John, I marvel at how similar we are. I'm also a long-distance cyclist. Max distance of 110 km a day.

Even both my parents are long distance cyclists. They cycle 40 km EVERY DAY.

(I heard you're also a tall guy...)

Can you elaborate on that lone wolf vs team point that you were talking about? I'm a lone wolf now, but I don't see it as a bad thing. I need to know if I need to reflect and change!

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John Nicholas's avatar

Very cool Ishan! I had no idea (about the cycling or the height). Regarding the lone wolf thing... It's important to know what gives you energy. I can't be around people the whole time, that would deplete me too much, but luckily I've changed how I look at group activities (thanks to WOP mostly... writing is social). I think you've got the right mix... you go do your thing out there with your writing and your photography and then you come back and share your enthusiasm with all of us, which is wonderful.

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Ishan Shanavas's avatar

Great. Thanks a lot!

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Nic Rosslee's avatar

Great essay, John.

Had you read the news about Cormac McCarthy's passing or is that a strange coincidence?

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John Nicholas's avatar

Thanks Nic. I had no idea when I posted this, so yes, a strange coincidence. Sad news. He was a great writer.

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Dr. Lyssa Menard's avatar

This sounds like such a wonderful trip. Years ago, I cycled from Prague to Vienna with friends. It ruined me for any other type of vacation besides active. Now, you've caught the bug!

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John Nicholas's avatar

Haha seems like I'm doomed (in the best possible way). Thanks for commenting, Lyssa.

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Rick Lewis's avatar

Super inspiring John. I love the 80% target on mastery. It's like the opposite of the 80/20 rule. 99% of the pleasure comes from 80%. of the proficiency.

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John Nicholas's avatar

Yeah right? Thought it was a nice re-frame from the traditional "you have to be the best at all costs". What if we optimized for enjoyment instead.

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Rick Lewis's avatar

amen

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