What You Miss When You Always Choose the Easy Route
Working Order #68
Hey—Jake here.
Welcome to Working Order, the newsletter that helps you train for one bold challenge a year.
Let’s get to work.
Shall we?
Your Effort
A short story or insight that’ll reframe effort
In 2016, a friend and I completed the Salkantay Trek—a 3-night, 4-day hike through the Andes to Machu Picchu. The morning we entered the city, we woke up early to be among the first people to walk through the gates.
It was surreal. Golden light spilled across the ancient stones, glistening the city. I sat on a stone wall, letting the sun warm my face.
As the crowds began to pour in—fresh off their tour buses—I couldn’t help but wonder: Would they feel what I feel?
We saw the same ruins, touched the same stones, walked the same grass. But I carried four days of lessons, perspectives, and earned appreciation.
That’s when it clicked: There are two ways to get to Machu Picchu. One is easy. The other demands effort. Either way, the view is the same—but what you feel at the top is entirely different.
That’s the compounding effect of effort: The more work you put into something, the more you get out of it.
So, whatever your Machu Picchu is this year, don’t try to find the easiest way. The end goal is only worth it because of what you put in to get there.
Your Edge
A training strategy you can implement now
If climbs drain you and descents feel out of control, it’s not just a conditioning issue—it’s a strength issue.
Trail runners and hikers often overlook gym work. But building strength is one of the highest-return investments you can make. It protects you from injury, boosts endurance, and makes tough terrain feel smoother.
Add these movements to your weekly routine:
Split Squats – for single-leg power and trail balance
Step-Ups – to build climbing drive and stability
RDLs – for hamstring and glute strength on steep grades
Planks – to lock in core control on descents
Strong legs don’t just get you to the top—they help you enjoy the experience. And that’s what makes the challenge worth it.
Your Why
A reminder of why you’re pursuing this
You have to finish things — that's what you learn from, you learn by finishing things. - Neil Gaiman
What is a dream, task, or goal that you started but quit halfway?
Pick one.
Only one.
Finish it.
Words: 410 (about 2 minutes of reading)
As always, I hope this helped.
-Jake