Returning readers, please scroll down past this permanent “welcome post” to read today’s current Lane 8 post.
Lane 8 Is A Metaphor For Life
If this is your first visit, welcome to Lane 8. The goal here is simple. To inspire you to take care or your body – a daily health blog, wellness blog and fitness blog.
(Please scroll down to read today’s post)
Sometimes, there are no words necessary. This is one of those times:
Stretches To Alleviate Heel Pain
Ok, so world-famous author, Nicholas Sparks, was an 800 meter runner at University of Notre Dame. For those of you who know, his 1:49.00 split is a very respectable time.
Then he developed plantar fasciitis, a painful and chronic inflammation of the plantar fascia tendon that runs from our heel to our toes.
This ended his running ambitions. Good thing he knew how to write. Well, not at first. But look at him today.
And that’s today’s lesson at Lane 8.
We are never very good at something when we first try. Whether it’s running or writing, both take years and tons of practice to gradually build confidence and results. Same for everything in life too.
But you already knew that, didn’t you? Then what are you complaining about? Keep going. Shut up. And never quit.
Who Knew?
Nicholas Sparks is today’s Guest Blogger? Well, sort of – via video clip.
Nicholas Sparks was a track star at Notre Dame.
Who knew?
And it was plantar fasciitis that ended one career and promoted another. Sounds a bit familiar, only different.
Nicholas Sparks wrote his first novel at 19. Around the same time, (1985), he and three other half-milers set the Notre Dame two-mile relay school record (7:20.11), which still stands today.
How do I know this? Facebook led me to this video interview with Nicholas Sparks and he’s standing next to the Notre Dame track & Field record book.
Wonder if he still runs?
USATF Email Yesterday
How are your exercise goals progressing so far this year?
And what do you do to stay motivated, in spite of all the easy reasons to quit?
After many years of running on my own, with no companions, and no competitions, I discovered the unusually satisfying effect of age-group competition.
First in 5k races, and a few 10k races. But my body frame isn’t really built for distance – whatever that means.
And then there’s the fact that life can be bittersweet, can’t it?
So yesterday, in the rain, I have a great five-mile run, with virtually no foot pain. Foot pain is what kept me away from the Master’s World Indoor Championships two weeks ago in British Columbia and what is keeping me away from this month’s Indoor National Championships in Boston.
Life goes on. Some opportunities go past us, and others will find us when we least expect them.
But only if we never give up.
Sometime soon, I’ll decide on if there’s another shot at competing this outdoor season.
PS. There are two posts at Lane 8 today. Scroll down for “health habits revealed”.
Look, I really don’t want to preach and tell people what they should do, but really, do you need anybody to tell you you should take care of your body?
Alright, here’s another attempt to sell you on the whole healthy habits thing. This video is short and what you need to do is at the end of it. I’d watch the whole minute 24 seconds if I were you.
Celebrate Our Body, Our Health
There are two ways to look at our bodies.
As a temple.
As a burden.
How is it with you?
Betcha Lane 8 scares, annoys, angers and otherwise does just about everything it can to challenge those few brave souls that have the guts to keep coming back.
A challenge to find a purpose for being healthy. Don’t look for a reason. Find a purpose.
Well begun is half done.
Well, I haven’t done everything. I haven’t ever said it’s acceptable to be unhealthy.
Celebrating 50th Birthday in Finland
You know how children like to write to Santa each year to ask for stuff? It’s no different for adults. Here’s my version.
Dear Dr. Weinberger,
I’ve been a good boy all year. Have focused on diet and exercise, just like you said to do.
This year’s wish list includes some old standbys and some new things too.
My BMI, blood pressure, and resting heart rate all on in line. Still treating Plantar fasciitis. If you are able to surprise me with any additional tests or recommendations that an especially health-conscious midlife male would like, that would be great.
Have enjoyed the past 27 years as your loyal and attentive patient. 
Can You Say Desert?
75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated.
In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is mistaken for hunger.
Lack of water, the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.
Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%., and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer.
So the million-dollar question is, “Why is it so challenging to drink enough water?”
Far Upper Right Corner
Some people are gifted. Mentally, physically, spiritually, financially.
Where do you place yourself in this mix? Honestly, on a good day, I’d give myself an average at best, and quite possibly a below average in some.
And yet, there s a popular saying that says, don’t judge a book by it’s cover.
And so it goes for all of us. We look inside ourselves for our motives, our values, our determination, and even for the ever elusive indomitable will. And we have varying degrees of success. But mostly, failure.
And a few years ago, while taking a “coffee break” by the proverbial water cooler, two colleagues were talking about the Atkins diet they were following. And so I asked antagonistically.
“Why doesn’t anyone ever ask me what I do for my diet?” And their ignorant, but honest, reply was instantaneous.
“You don’t need to worry about it.” To which I replied.
“I worry about it every single day, that’s why I don’t need to worry about it.”
Put up or shut up. But please don’t judge a book by it’s cover.