What Really Matters

Tonight my wife took our oldest son to his class. While she did this, I stayed at home and got the younger ones to bed.  After the kids were asleep, it provided me some free time to get everything done around the house. Making lunches, cleaning the sink, gathering the trash, etc...  Once I finished everything, I quickly changed into my running clothes and was getting ready to head out the door for a run as soon as they arrived home.

Of course, as soon as they get home. My son says "Daddy, can we play one game of Skip-Bo?"  I hesitate before answering and luckily my son did not notice After having a moment there, I quickly put on my game face and my son, my wife and I all played a nice game. I got out for my run about 25 minutes later that I was expecting, but it was ok.  Having this time with my son is what really matters.

As much as we put lots of pressure on ourselves to get out there each night or to run a certain distance, just remember what really matters; Family.

Its Only Five of 7

I was contemplating on whether to go running tonight or not. Usually, after a food shopping run, the night gets away from me. By the time, I finish putting everything away and cutting up the fruit and vegetables, its usually close to 7:00pm. 7:00pm may not be that late for you, but when you are up before 5:00am every morning to get ready for work, its late.

We just changed the clocks this weekend and my body is not adjusted yet.  It makes it harder to be motivated to go out when it is already dark.  I really wanted to get out there tonight and the rest of the month, as I am close to having my 8th straight month of at least 20 days running.

My wife saw me contemplating and said. Its only five of 7.  That is the time. Not five of 8.  Why don't you go out and do a quick run.  That is what I did. I did 3 miles.  This actually brought me to the ninth straight month of at least 80 miles running.

Overweight Kids

Its sad when I see overweight kids out an about. I see so many overweight 5-10 years old. I just think its not fair for them. Its not their fault.  Its their parents fault. The amount of junk these kids eat and sugary drinks they wash it down with. The lack of exercise as they rather stay in watching tv or playing video games.

My wife and I were discussing.  We ate junk when we were kids.  Why weren't there so many fat kids around then. Maybe it was the amount of exercise we got.  We use to ride our bikes to McDonalds which about 10 miles away.  We would spend every afternoon outside. Whether playing basketball, football, frisbee, or having a catch. The only time we would play video games or watch tv was if the weather was poor. 

Or are the recipes different in the foods we used to eat. As the quest for the all mightly dollar turned junk food from junk food into junk chemcials?

What do you think?

Its On

Last night I was out for a run. I was in the middle of deciding how far I wanted to go. Did I want to go 6 or 7 miles. It was getting late and part of me wanted to get home. The other part of me kept saying, stop being lazy and just get out there.

As I was about a .25 of a mile away from the point where I would need to go left to make it 7 miles or straight to go 6 miles, someone passed me. At this time, I was leisurely trying to make it up the hill when I heard the heavy breathing and feet behind me.  Sure enough, a runner who looked pretty fit flew right by me.

Rather than just let him pass, I decided to follow up at the same pace.  I knew this would change up my workout but I also knew I was going to be doing 6 miles rather than 7. I didn't care. No one passes me without me putting a  good fight.

I think he knew I was following as he slowed down a little and I slowed down as well. When we got to the point that the path changed from an flat surface to a slight decline, I went for it. I passed him and kept going for about a half a mile. Then I slowed down.

Sure enough a few minutes later, I heard him again. It was that hard, the guy spit as much as a camel. So between his feet, spitting and breathing, I knew he was catching up to me. He then passed me.  I said to myself forget this. I turned on the jets and passed him one more time. He tried to give chase, but could not keep up with me. I flew for about a half mile and then looked back.  There was no one there.

I won.

Dinner Out

My wife and I went out to dinner the other night on a date.  I was looking forward to not having to cook and clean up for a change and know my wife was looking for forward as well.  Plus, I have been watching what I have been eating and was looking forward for dessert.

I got the teriyaki salmon with rice and veggies. While I enjoy this meal. I do not know why they feel the need to drown everything in teriyaki sauce.  I would have much preferred it to be on the side and I can dip if I choose to.

After waiting for quite a while for my dessert we split and enjoyed. It was ok. Not what I was expecting.  Sometimes, I don't know why we bother. My meals at home always taste better than anything I will get at a restaurant. They are healthier too.

How Much Are You Walking?

I just read an interesting article that mentions that young people are not getting as much walking in as we used due to technology. They are spending more time on their electronic items rather than enjoying the fresh air.

One of the reasons, I love running without a watch (and music) is the feeling of being unplugged.  I am on a computer all day long for work and I night, since we do not have a TV, I use the computer before bed.

One of the biggest reasons for not being able go walking is lack of time. That is BS.  Anyone can squeeze in 10 minutes once or twice a day.  I take two "walk breaks" at work.  About 10 minutes to clear my head and get some fresh air.  If you are in an office building, walk around the floor.  There is always an excuse, but there is also is always a way.

New Podcast

I have found a new podcast that I have started to Listen to. Vinnie Tortorich, America’s angriest trainer.  He is big on no sugar and no grains. While I am not one to restrict any one group over of foods over an other, I still enjoy listening to his rants. He tells it like it is, but he is sincere. He sounds like he really cares and is angry that people are having their good intentions stolen.

 

He and his cohost Anna Vocino are very easy to listen to.  He has nearly 200 podcasts available for download.  Each are about 45-60 minutes long. Easy enough to listen on your commute or while you are exercising.  I have started with some of the newer ones and concurrently listen to the older ones.

 

They do go off topic and rants about non fitness related topics.  Sometimes, its one of the reasons, I enjoy the show. He has a new book out, “fitness confidential” that I am looking to order one of these days.

 

Which new Podcasts are you listening to?