Thursday--14Feb13
Three decades ago I ran a marathon at 40. A few of years after that, due to some physical "stuff" I ever so slowly went to pot. No, not that kind. I don't smoke anything (...well, maybe a couple of times a year a good cigar with extra good friends...). Even though Colorado is now famous for "that" kind of pot. Ugh.
Fortunately, several years back I got tired of having four different sizes of wardrobe in ye olde closet. I began in dead ernest (before becoming dead in body) to carefully, slowly, consistently be the one to rediscover my health.
A goal, of several related to the physical dimension of my life (with seven others to also pay close attention to), was to lose 70lbs by the time I was 70yo. But, the goal was to lose that weight by 67yo and keep it off. The over riding goal was to be in charge of my health as never before in all my years.
The good news on the journey was getting rid of all the olde clothes that became to big. "GoodWilling" them as they became too big. Ultimately, over the past few years, a simpler, better new size is all I've got left. No safety net of bigger sizes should I begin to gain any weight.
Thus, if something begins to feel snug, it's time to get a move on, now! To pay closer attention to the shift. It, thankfully, has worked.
Today, down here in Arizona I began, 17 days ahead of schedule, to train for a half marathon for later this summer. The app, Half-marathon Training by Jeff Galloway, is my guide. It felt extra good to say this morning when awakening here in Phoenix, "OK, why not today? Why wait until March 3 when you thought you would begin?"
Being an olde man now (olde people can be found talking to themselves, you know, and your turn is coming, you who read this. lol), I answered, "You sure you want to do this?"
To which the more alive side, and some times holier side of my conscience whispered loudly, "GAMO,N!!! Practice what you preach and encourage. What better valentine gift could you give your bride of 46 years than a continuing healthier you. Get out of bed, olde man, and get a move on, now!!!"
And so I did. And so I have. And will do so again tomorrow.
And you...........?
What will you be doing to step into a healthier you?
Now? Tomorrow? Next month?
Anyone game to run a half-marathon with me later this summer?
At my pace, I know you can do it!
We have a Father's day marathon out this way. I ran the half in 2006. My time 2:14. Seven years ago. Race day I was 163 lbs. I've been thinking about it again this year. But I haven't been training since. And I'd have to lose 25 lbs to get down to what I was back then. Sounds like a couple lame excuses.
Posted by: Matt McClay | February 17, 2013 at 10:32 PM