61yo Dana Is A Badass. Not Fun. 14.3 Tovar v. Pichelli. IntraGym Comp Details! Family Drama. TWA 9.29.25

WHAT IS FUN?
In light of the “fun” IntraGym Competition we’re going to host on Saturday, I thought I’d share my friend Tim’s recent email to his community on the “fun” in doing hard things:

(From CF Palo Alto Weekly Email 9/23 – Owner Tim Dymmel):  “I lack discipline when it comes to fasting from food. So I find other things to say no to so that I can focus on something specific or even just be open to a new idea. Lately, I’ve returned to driving in silence. I’ve been known to lift weights or do workouts in silence. I have found it gives my mind a little bit of space. I highly recommend it in a world inundated with noise.

In a silent moment I have been thinking about the ‘fun’ in CrossFit. Or really, in training at all. I watch dozens of people go through classes every day. 99.9% of people are NOT smiling, laughing or demonstrating in any way that they are having fun or enjoying themselves. And if you are, you have a funny way of showing it.  It seems to me that the fun comes after the work. In the realization of the accomplishment. In the sharing of stories. The camaraderie of the experience. In CrossFit, it may even correlate to the more suffering we do in the workout, the more fun we have. I’m no scientist with a properly vetted model of testing. However, I feel safe in saying that fun is a byproduct. I covered the types of fun in an earlier email.

If the fun comes after, then why do we say that a workout was ‘fun’? It wasn’t enjoyable in the moment. I might have even been in pain. Is pain fun?

According to the Google machine, the relationship between pain and pleasure is complex and deeply rooted in both biology and psychology. They are often seen as opposites, yet they’re also closely interconnected, sometimes even overlapping.

Pain and pleasure share some of the same neural circuits in the brain. For example, endorphins released during painful experiences can also produce a euphoric, pleasure-like sensation. This is why intense physical exertion or certain types of pain (e.g. tattoos, spicy food) can feel oddly pleasurable to some people.

Pain and pleasure often intensify each other by contrast. Relief from pain can feel pleasurable. Pleasure denied or taken away can lead to emotional pain. This contrast is used in storytelling, music, relationships, and even marketing to create deeper emotional experiences. (I HATE when I realize I’ve been played by a marketing campaign or commercial or political party.)

Pain and pleasure serve survival purposes. Pain signals damage or danger—motivating avoidance and caution. Pleasure encourages behaviors that promote survival—like eating, bonding, and reproduction. But interestingly, the overlap helps humans learn and adapt. For instance, small discomforts might be tolerated for a greater future reward (like exercise).

So I guess we’re just wired this way, to which I say: ‘Accept it. Embrace it. Use it to get super fit and do what you want.’

I’d love to hear about a memorable workout experience that was painfully fun for you.

See you in class.  Tim”
(CF Palo Alto Weekly Email 9.23.25)

#itsup2us