Pumped (Gymbos #2)

by K.M. Neuhold

“It’s just you versus you. There’s no competition here. I mean, sure, some guys make it their personal goal to lift more than anyone else or run farther, but it’s not a requirement. This right here is just a matter of doing better than you did the day before. You made it three-quarters of a mile today, maybe next time you’ll make it the full mile.” “What if I only make it half a mile tomorrow?” I shrug. “Then you’ll try for the mile again the next time. There aren’t any trophies in here, just a sense of satisfaction when you reach your goals.”

If I’m going to die, I’ll die like a man, doing something stupid just to protect my ego.

“I love you, Butch. Maybe it’s weird to say that for the first time in a locker room that stinks like unwashed jockstraps, but I do. I love your big heart and your kindness. I love your smile and your optimism and everything about the way you view the world. And I love the person I am when I’m with you… the person I am because of you.”