For me numbers are simply a mental construct that don't exist in any reality outside of our heads. You can't physically show someone a number. You can show them a numeral or some other visual representation of the mental construct, but not the construct itself. The reality is that we use mental constructs if they have utility, and the more utility the more universally accepted that particular construct is. For example, we cyclist tend to use a century ride as something that is meaningful, and I think that is because we all know that 100 miles on a bicycle is a long ride. We all also know that some 100 mile rides are much harder than others. In reading this thread, it is clear to me that the particular mental construct that includes numbers has a multitude of meanings to people. Yet, we can easily fall into the trap of believing that our meaning is the correct one or the only one, and that's a mistake. There are some numbers I keep track of, but what they mean to me might be significantly different than what they mean to someone else. For example, I keep track of the number of days that I ride. I don't especially care how far I've ridden only that I ride. This measure is probably completely meaningless to someone who is training for a specific event such as a national championship. There will be a different set of numbers having a different set of meanings to this person. I also keep track of how many miles I ride, because I, correctly or incorrectly, think this is a reasonable tool for setting goals; that is, X number of miles per year. It seems that many others use this same logic as evidenced by the threads asking about mileage. Yet, I know that my 14 mile ride in sub zero weather with 30mph winds is an entirely different 14 miles someone in San Diego may ride. So, long story short, I use numbers when they have utility for me and ignore them when they don't. I'm planning to ride my age again this year on my birthday, but if I don't I'm not going to lose sleep over it. If I don't get to ride, well that will be a bit annoying.