Cory: How Getting Uncomfortable Teaches You Stuff #nofilter #icemanremix
Getting Real.
An Interview with ICC Athlete Cory Markham
In my 12 years of group and personal training I have learned many things, but the one thing that stands out the most is that you cannot push people to commit to something that they are not ready for! As a matter of fact- commitment to something that will take you out of your comfort zone is typically what scares people from taking that first step. Even in our most brave moments being the rookie can be hard- but to the person who is not used to taking chances, it can become debilitating.
I want to take a moment and congratulate every person who has ever been brave enough to join a gym, to workout in front of that group of brute weight lifters who don’t have a single ounce of fat on them, to show up and jump on the treadmill between all of the super fit ponytails, to get on that stairmill even though you know your ass is on display for the entire gym, for getting on a bike in a class full of elite athletes because you are on a mission- YOU ARE ALL BADASS IN MY MIND. It does not matter what is really happening in those moments- it is what your mind tells you that stops you from taking the next step- and if you are a person who has pushed past that, then take a moment and give yourself a “good game.”
Cory is one of the brave ones- and not because he is out here trying to be a hero- but because he stepped way the hell out of his comfort zone and signed up for a block of intense training that he knew was going to be hell. Cory was the guy who jumped on his bike on day one and put his heart rate strap on over his jersey- yep- he did that! Guess what? He came back. He has been with us since the start of the IcemanRemix and though old injuries and mental barriers have tried to stop him, he has continued to dig and carry on that drive for more. We sat down and asked him a few questions last week- his responses are REAL. Thank you for sharing a small part of you with us, Cory!
What do you think of all of this cycling stuff? Not the indoor stuff- the outdoor stuff!
I never knew how much I enjoyed riding a bike until I hit the single track for the first time. It was an amazing experience. I think the thing I really love the most about it is the community of riders in Northern Michigan. It didn't matter where I was or who I ran into on the trails, everyone was so welcoming and encouraging. I remember the first few times I went out, and all the experienced riders would drop me or I would pull off to the side, everyone would say "Have a great ride". It's a cool feeling to receive encouraging words from all the riders no matter how experienced. If you asked me this question a year ago, I would have said "No, I play real sports." Knowing what I know now, I would have slapped myself for saying that.
I LOVE that for you and for our future community cyclists! So, totally on subject, who is your favorite superhero and why?
Easy. Raphael of the TMNT. An unconventional choice, I know, but he has been my #1 since day 1. Even at a young age, I always found his style of heroism completely and utterly bad ass. Cool but rude, always fighting personal demons, loyal to a fault. I like to think if I was reincarnated as a fictional character, it would be Raph. Cowabunga!
It kind of feels like you are ready to talk about that Turtle at any moment- great answer!
Favorite thing to do off of the bike
My selfish choice is fishing. Doesn't matter which species I am targeting, I am always trying to learn knew and better habits. Fishing is one of the therapeutic activities that also gives me EXTREME adrenaline. Its also one of the more interesting sports because if you ask 10 different people the same question about what fly, lure, or tackle in general, you will get 10 different answers. It helps you find your own style. Watching my two kids get excited about it give me the chills.
That is a great answer- a little deep too!
What are you learning about yourself while you are in the pain palace?
Wow, not enough space on the blog for this one, but I think as most athletes with a competitive edge will tell you, is that the more I suffer, the more I learn about myself. We cannot truly know ourselves until we are on the edge of control and how we react in that situation. Slow down or find another gear, quit or start laughing and go harder. I always tell myself mentally when I clip in that the bike is not going to beat me today. I guess in the end, what I have learned the most, is that we are NEVER done learning. Absorb as much as you can while you are suffering, and use it to your benefit.
I think anyone who is ready to listen to that answer could take it a long way- thank you for sharing!
What do you think about racing? You in?
Oh I am gonna race. I am pretty hard on myself though, so the plan is to do these blocks, get in top condition, then hit the start line. I rode a MTB for the first time about 3 weeks before this class started, I am still a greenhorn. I want to be able to put a good product on the trail before I enter in a race. Finishing a race right now just wouldn't give me the satisfaction. Look out in 2020 though, Bear is comin!
Fair enough- but do not wait too long- the sooner you get out, the sooner you will learn more stuff!
3 fun facts about you- not anyone else- just you?
I am without a doubt the greatest MarioKart player for N64 you will ever meet.
I got to spend a week at West Point in the Leadership Academy. Without a doubt the most meaningful training I have ever been apart of, and I have been to many.
I have broken my left ankle, ruptured my left achilles tendon, torn my left MCL, and torn my left gluteus medius(its one of the ass muscles) while managing no injuries to my right side.
I heard you are friends with kickbush- does that automatically give you superpowers and free coffee at Brew?
Sean used to mow my lawn and stuff for extra money on the weekends, that was back in the day, now look at him! All grown up! On the real though, hes an impressive guy but I don't get free coffee, I do get some exceptional hand-me-down cycling gear and a lot of great advice and insight on riding. I try to surround myself with people who are truly great at what they do, and absorb as much as I can from them. I knew Kickbush when he was fat, then some time passed and I saw him riding professionally and shit. I reached out to him to ask him for some help, and now he cant get rid of me.
He sounds nice.
Do you have a goal that you are aiming for? Willing to share?
My original goal when signing up was strictly to #GetBelted and get back in shape, which was a great starting point, however based off all the great energy and information I get from riding, I am really interested in seeing how far I can push myself and try to inspire others who may think cycling is out of their comfort zone to tackle it. There are not many better feelings than what you get after a challenging ride or training session where you pushed yourself past your limits and for just a small period of time you lived on the edge of control. My goal is to look back and be proud of what I accomplished for myself and my lifestyle. To be the best version of myself in all aspects of life.
What else ya got?
(Warning: the following content is rated R for choice of language while getting real and hitting the feels)
Doing things that are new to you, or out of your comfort zone can be intimidating. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, and who will be brutally honest with you. Seek criticism from your biggest critic, not your friend.
Be a fucking wolf
Be a fucking lion
Take no shit
Set goals
Smash them
Eat peoples faces off
Be a better person
Show people who the fuck you are
Never apologize for being awesome
Stay the motherfucking course.