How do you test yourself?
What metrics do you use for improvement?
How often do you operate at the margins of your ability?
These are primary questions to use to evaluate your overall health and fitness. I believe that your training regimen must be intentional, and purpose driven. It needs to be dynamic with skillset acquisition to create the ability to endure hardship. There is no better arena to challenge oneself then being at the mercy of nature.
The great outdoors offers a test that will introduce a person to oneself and reveal their potential. From grueling terrain to brutal exposure of the elements will exploit weaknesses in the best athletes. This is the exact proving ground for someone who wants to answer the question: "Do I have what it takes." Nature doesn't care if you are tired, hungry, or hurt its relentless and will claim your life.
Then why would someone subject themself to such danger and risk? It's the person who has an unsatiable desire to seek the limits of their physical and mental capabilities. There is nothing tragic about dying doing something you love. When you want to apply your training while forging your character take a chance and accept nature's crucible...
