All In The Family {Part One}

 I have always found it difficult to sit still for any length of time. I do a little better now as the years roll by but I have always been very active physically. Whether it’s work or a hobby, the level of exertion involved has never been the main determining factor when choosing an activity.

After Pam and I married, and she quickly developed her Mothers natural expertise in the area of food preparation; I soon realized I might need  a bit of extra exercise beyond the normal. That was certainly one factor that contributed to my decision to join a local gym and get into weight training.  I have remained active in weight lifting to various degrees for about 40 years now. It became another hobby. I was almost 35 when Seth was born and was stronger than  at any other time in my life.Realizing that including aerobic exercise was very important to overall health and fitness, I began to gradually add some jogging and stationary biking to my weekly routine as time would allow. Pam was very active in walking and jogging and encouraged me to do more. We were members of the YMCA for years and several guys I became friends with there were runners. A small group of us guys began meeting frequently  for a morning run, often before daylight, and usually 4 or 5 miles. That was a great motivation and it energized the day. One guy was a marathon runner with many marathons to his credit, including Boston. I will always remember how he would adjust his pace to my level and run with me until I finished.
I had no interest in competing or even running in a fun run or event. I was strictly running to stay in shape, to feel better, and to chase away a few pounds. But one day while jogging alone, a notion struck me that I should run in an event. And before the day was over I announced to Pam I was entering a running event for the first time and I had decided on a marathon. Now who in their right mind makes 26.2 miles their first ever “fun run”?  I never admitted it then but I think it was a pride thing. My next birthday would be the half century mark and I think proving I could do it was a factor. Not necessarily proving it to others but to myself. So I read books and magazines on how to prepare and with the help of my experienced friend I found myself registered and ready to go about 6 months later. I did run it in a decent time, averaging over 6 miles per hour for the distance.  It takes an incredible amount of work and discipline both physically and mentally to be able to do that. I was over it, turned 50 a few months later, and have had no desire to tackle 26.2 again. Another (and more likely) factor in all this is having a 15 year old son that you love to do things with. You have to stay in shape if you want to participate in activities like skiing black diamonds in the Colorado mountains.

I still do my best to find time for running and lifting weights. I did both today. It’s more challenging than ever but possibly more important than ever. I consider it a privilege and a demonstration of Gods Mercy each and every time I can get out and get moving and do the things I do. This can change in an instant as I am well aware. An accident 8 years ago that I should have never survived much less find myself able to run again is a constant reminder for me of God’s Sovereignty and Grace. It’s a story of miracles that I may share more about in the future. I do believe that God, as part of His plan, allowed me to be in very good physical condition at that time and He used this as part of His work for me to survive. When possible, getting outdoors and enjoying creation is the best, but an inside workout is great too. I do not presume upon the future and for sure these bodies wear out and give up. That could be today, and if so, I can only be thankful. And if not, I’ll try to find a little time over the next couple of days to hit it again!“…for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come”
1 Timothy 4:8  Linking with Pieced Pastimes, Silver Pennies, Life on Lakeshore Drive, Thoughts From Alice, Mod Vintage Life, Coastal Charm, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, The Dedicated House, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, Savvy Southern Style, Ivy and Elephants, French Country Cottage, From My Front Porch To Yours, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict, Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, The Style Sisters, The Charm of Home, Cornerstone Confessions, A Delightsome Life, Imparting Grace, Posed Perfection, Katherines Corner, My Romantic Home, Chic On A Shoestring Decorating, Rooted In Thyme, Share Your Cup, The Enchanting Rose, Alabama Women Bloggers, 21 Rosemary Lane, Northern Nesting, Oh My Heartsie Girl,  Cozy Little House, Rattlebridge Farm, The Turquoise Home