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Guest Blogger Nicholas Sparks?

Who Knew?
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 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.