Physical Rigours

The body can be a fickle thing. You can train it like a well oiled machine. It can endure the pounding of extreme exercise only to cave in to an innocuous bug. My own had been put through many tests of endurance and passed without long- lasting defects. I return home to the comforts of my cosy home to fall ill, overcome by a common cold.

I go through phases in my life when I may scoff at the thought of a walk to the shop and others when the prospect of a week long mountain hike or a thousand kilometre cycle seem pleasurable. My mind has total control over my body. If I control my mind into relishing a challenge instead of condemning it with petty complaints then half the battle has already been won.

I found myself laughing on the windswept icy plains of Hungary as hail and sleet thrashed my face and swept the bike from under me, I encouraged it with provocative words. In the deserts of Iran sandstorms blinded me and I teased their inability to stop me. The searing heat of north India in April made me sink in wet tar and leave a trail of sweat and blistering skin in my wake but I thanked the sun for keeping me company.

My body succumbed to illness which I endured with temporary self pity before lifting my spirits and continuing. To me, dwelling on the negative inflicts an unnecessary burden on the body, to focus on the positive lifts a heavy load and propels you along with an encouraging hand.