The Lure of Challenging Experiences

Ever felt the urge to brave the winter temperatures of an unheated outdoor pond? Ever said yes to an absurd suggestion like running a marathon when the only thing you’ve ever run for is a bus in high heels? Ever wandered what those 26.2 miles would feel like if they followed a 112 mile bike ride and 2.4 mile swim and agreed to participate in what could legitimately be described as the self-induced, near death experience known as an Ironman?

Perhaps not, but while such an impulse is somewhat inexplicable, anyone who has ever yielded to the temptation to walk to the edge of a cliff will know that experiences involving risk often arouse a potent curiosity that we feel compelled, to a degree, to act on…