So begins the thoughts for today: I just got back from a very hot, humid, sticky run and I have a huge smile on my face. When I went out I knew it would be tough, Sue had just come back from a walk with Abbey THE dog and was regaling me with Tales of Brave Ulysses along with repeated mentions of how humid it was. I was not really motivated to go, but I wanted to get some work in as I had done nothing yesterday due to the rain and not wanting to use the treadmill. So I suited up, got my accoutrements all set, and out I went. As usual, the first 1/4 mile or so was huffy and puffy, but one good thing about the heat is that the muscles loosen up very easily, with Mark Knopfler playing away in my ears, I hit a very nice, comfortable stride and began to think how bloody fortunate I am in my golden years to not only WANT to do it but to be able to do this. I kept thinking how lucky I was to have had the support, courage and desire to have the sleeve surgery 5 years ago this month and to keep at it.

The greatest gift is health, you can’t buy it, but you can certainly work at it. I am much more active now than I was 10, 20, even 30 years ago, I don’t dread exercise, or even moving around the house, I actually look forward to it. During the current mess that we are in, I have managed to lower my “underlying risks” which has upped my mood, even on the toughest days, and has allowed me to keep moving forward and looking toward a happy and hopefully healthy, long road ahead. I have an incredible wife who NEVER even wrinkles her nose if I want to go for a run, play golf or do something selfishly active, that also is a huge gift. If you have to negotiate for time to take care of yourself (which I never have to do) it makes it much harder to keep it positive and to look forward to it.

Well, I’ve just now stopped sweating, so it’s time for a well deserved shower…The time had come the walrus said……