4 Min Read Published on: 1 day ago I enjoy endurance sports, especially triathlons: swimming, cycling, running. Honest confession: Swimming is not my favorite sport. In a triathlon, however, one needs to survive the swim in order to get to the other two. Perseverance is an important part of this discipline. Imagine sweat-drenched athletes limping over the finish line after months of intense training that includes early morning runs in the darkness, cycling through bad weather, rigorous training schedules, aching muscles, and motivational thoughts while alone in a pool. It can get very lonely out there. Why would anybody in their right mind put themselves through this? There are, of course, some rewards: the incredible feeling of having persevered and crossed that finish line; the camaraderie along the way (no competitiveness at my level); the crowds cheering the weary athletes; my wife waiting enthusiastically for me to arrive at the finish line; and, oh yes, maybe receiving a commemorative medal that my youngest son likes to abduct and repurpose.