USATF Masters Indoor Nationals

USATF Email Yesterday
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”.

Health Habits Begin Here

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.

Annual Physical

Celebrate Our Body, Our Health
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.

Dear Santa Letter?

Celebrating 50th Birthday in Finland
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.

  1. Full menu of blood work
  2. Colonoscopy script (never used last year’s script)
  3. Stress Test
  4. Body scan/MRI
  5. Check skin
  6. Check neck
  7. Anything else a 51 year old man should have

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. 🙂

Thirsty?

Can You Say Desert?
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?”