Friday, March 2, 2012

Move Mississippi

Heading home after 5 days in Alabama. Sleeping on the sofa is not something that 54 year olds do well. I had ever intention of getting up early and running on the bay shore but man, I had a terrible night's sleep. Just as well. It was very foggy this morning and part of the path is right on the roadway. I would not have felt safe. I've also been feeling a bit gimpy in my left knee. Thinking the extra day off will actually be a good thing. The key will be to get to the gym tomorrow and run. I am scheduled to complete a long run of 10.5 miles this weekend. Trying to decide whether to go for it tomorrow or on Sunday.

Having spent the past few days with my Aunt, I really can appreciate the value of movement. Although she is almost 91 years old, Aunt Marie is spry. She was never a runner but she was always active. My mother, her sister, on the other hand is 11 years younger and has not been active for years. My mother looks younger but moves like she is 101. Even my Aunt's cardiologist's last words, as we headed out the door, were "keep moving". Ain't that the truth! I really want someone to be writing articles about me running or walking marathons when I am in my 90's. Life is about living it not sitting in a chair watching TV.

I know I've been blessed with good genes but it takes work too. Sadly, I stopped at a McDonalds in Mississippi, I have never seen so many huge people both as customers and employees. It was really disturbing as everyone was so out of breath and yet moving so slow. I wish I could gently talk to these folks and convince them of how much better they would feel if they ate a little healthier and moves a bit more. I don't mean to be critical, and they don't need to start running, but they would feel so much better with just small changes.