Finding PERMAV in the French Alps: A Journey of Grit, Growth, and Gratitude

On Day 2 of our 8-day cycling journey through the French Alps, I found myself riding up the legendary Cormet De Roselend—alone.  That morning, we drove a couple of hours to our starting point, along windy roads, and I became quite car sick. My stomach was in knots, my energy low. While Kary Oberbrunner, Scott Daniel, and Brad Bryant powered ahead, I had to settle into my own rhythm, not far behind their pace, but still slower.  

And yet... the silence, the solitude, and the struggle offered me something unexpected: Presence.  

Even though I was slower, I was fully alive. That’s when it hit me—this entire trip was a living example of what Dr. Martin Seligman, my former professor at UPenn, calls PERMAV: the six elements of well-being in Positive Psychology—Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment, and Vitality. 

Positive Emotions (P) 

Laughter was our fuel. Whether it was jokes at the dinner table, hilarious stories on the climbs, or moments of absurdity in the middle of physical exhaustion—our trip was infused with joy. Watching Stage 19 of the Tour de France added childlike excitement. The views? Indescribable. Even the best photos fell short of capturing the grandeur. These “micro-moments” of awe and connection filled our emotional tanks. 

To see some of our photos, visit my recent LinkedIn post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/aaron-marcum_tourdefrance-frenchalps-entrepreneurs-activity-7358527342366912512-zpCq?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAADsVqcBEOMKt3mHM7p11veToNfKSlKoHms  

Engagement (E) 

Each day, we were deeply immersed—not just in the ride, but in real conversations. We talked about our roles as leaders, husbands, fathers, and men trying to do better. The flow state wasn’t just on the bike—it was in the engagement with our surroundings and with each other. No phones. No work stress. Just full presence. 

Relationships (R) 

What started as three friends riding became something much more. Our bond deepened with every climb, every shared struggle, and every celebratory toast at the end of the day. We also connected with people from around the world—strangers who became part of the story. Humans thrive when we're in relationship. This trip proved that again and again. 

Meaning (M) 

There were moments—especially on the hardest climbs—where we questioned if we could keep going. But we did. We pushed beyond our perceived limits. And in doing so, we found meaning. This wasn’t a vacation—it was a pilgrimage of self-discovery. Every ache, every moment of doubt, every mile mattered. The why was bigger than the how. 

Accomplishment (A) 

Over 8 days, we climbed 40,000+ feet in elevation (Kary did 65K+ in elevation gain), averaging 5,000 feet per day.  

Day 7 alone? A staggering 12,000 feet of climbing in 10+ hours on the bike. We tackled the famed Galibier—both sides—and Col du Granon, arguably Europe’s hardest climb. Our final day was no victory lap—we conquered Col de L’Iseran, the highest paved road in the Alps at over 9,000 feet. We didn’t just finish—we pushed ourselves up until the end. That last climb had 11-15% grades.  

Vitality (V) 

PERMAV ends with Vitality, and I believe it was the culmination of everything we experienced. This trip recharged me—not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It sharpened me. It reminded me of my why. And I came home a better version of myself—more present with my family, more focused in my work, more grounded in my purpose. 

Too often, we tell ourselves we can’t make space for something like this. Life is busy. The inbox is full. But we must create space—to think, to push, to laugh, to reflect, to live. 

PERMAV isn’t reserved for epic bike trips or perfect conditions.  

You can cultivate it in the messy middle, on your slowest climb, even when life throws you off pace.  

If I learned anything on Cormet De Roselend, it’s this:  “Struggle doesn’t disqualify us from well-being. In fact, it might be the doorway into it.”   

So wherever you are in your journey—whether you're leading a business, growing a team, raising kids, or simply trying to become the best version of yourself—I invite you to create space for PERMAV. It might just change your life.  

Live. Lead. Breakaway.