Training for the feeling, not the Glory

This morning, while I was out walking the dog, I came across something you definitely don’t see every day — a man pulling a tyre behind him, moving with purpose and two walking poles in hand. I smiled and said, “Good morning,” and then added, “I can see you’re training for something… what is it?”

He told me he’s preparing for a race in Sweden in March — a sled-pulling event — and since we’re deep in New Zealand summer right now, the tyre is his best stand-in for snow. And honestly? I just thought, how cool is that?

Here’s this man — easily in his 50s or 60s — out there doing the work for something that clearly matters to him. Not chasing a medal. Not chasing recognition. Just embracing a challenge that makes him feel alive.

It struck a chord because I’m on my own training path too. I’m getting ready for the Masters Games in January and February, and then volunteering as the tail-walker for the Motatapu 42km event in March. None of this is about winning. It’s simply because moving my body with intention feels good. Because working toward something gives me focus. Because there’s joy in showing up to a challenge, even when no one sees the behind-the-scenes effort.

This morning, it felt like the two of us were part of the same quiet club: people who train because it adds something meaningful to their life. People who enjoy the process more than the outcome. People who choose movement and challenge because it lights a spark inside them.

There’s something genuinely beautiful about watching someone commit to themselves — especially in a world so fixated on results. That man with his tyre reminded me that you don’t have to be the youngest, the strongest, or the fastest. You just need a reason that gets you out the door with a smile.

Here’s to doing things for the joy of it.

Here’s to the challenges that shape us.

Here’s to the tyre-pullers, the dog-walkers, the tail-walkers, and everyone training for something that matters purely because it matters to them.

That’s where the magic truly is.