The Swim Back

I have thought a lot about David Goggins recently. Thus, taking time away from day dreaming of toughness that revolves primarily around Rocky Balboa, Ivan Drago and Mike Tyson.

Goggins website has in large print, "I am nobody special." But, let's be clear, the man is a trained killer, literally. He also does endurance events. That part we have in common. I wonder what about me is different from him. I see runners all the time jogging around and they are training, everyone has their own reasons to run.

I think my favorite thing to think about with all this in mind is from the movie Gattaca. The whole movie is about genes and being born superior, with more coded gifts or potential than others. These two brothers, Vincent and Anton, (Anton with the superior set of genes) have a regular competition by seeing who can swim out into the ocean farthest. Basically, Anton always beats Vincent as Vincent tires and heads back to the shore. The toughest part is when Vincent knows he can win.

Anton Freeman: Vincent! How are you doing this Vincent? How have you done any of this? We have to go back.
Vincent: It's too late for that. We're closer to the other side.
Anton Freeman: What other side? You wanna drown us both?
Vincent: You wanna know how I did it? This is how I did it Anton. I never saved anything for the swim back.