Reflecting on my 47th Year...

When I wake up tomorrow, I'll be another year older; and according to my driver's license, passport, and birth certificate, when someone asks me my age, I'll need to answer either indignantly with a shocked "How dare you ask me that question???" or honestly with a matter-of-fact "47" response. If I'm feeling particularly playful, I guess I could give the inquisitive "How old do you think I am?" reply. At the end of it all, I'll most likely go with the honest approach.

Over the past handful of years, though, I really didn't want to think about my passing years. I wasn't a big fan of my birthday, as it was a not-too-pleasant reminder of my loss of youth and (how do I put this?) my unhealthy race to the grave. I know that's a bit melodramatic, but for many who have crossed the line to obesity and unhealthy lifestyles, New Year's days and birthdays are often days to reflect upon how time to "stop smoking, lose weight, get back in shape, etc." is running out.

This birthday is different, though. Reflecting on my forty-seventh year on the planet has helped me to realize that although it's impossible for any of us to turn back the clock, we can certainly slow it down quite a bit through good choices and healthy living. Now, please forgive me for sounding so cliché, but on this birthday eve I have come to realize that age really is just a number on my driver's license. It is with utmost sincerity that I can say that I feel younger than I have in a very long time. Here are just a handful of the differences that I've experienced in the past 365 days:

• Weight on May 25, 2012 - 247.1 Pounds
• Weight on May 13, 2013 - 193.0 Pounds  (Loss of 54.1 lbs)

• Snoring / Sleep Apnea - Gone  (You can't imagine how different it feels to be well rested every day)

• Slowest Run Pace (on September 1, 2012) - 15:05 per Mile for 1.92 Miles
• Fastest Run Pace (on April 27, 2013) - 9:28 per Mile for 3.10 Miles

• Total Miles Run - Approximately 620 (I didn't track the first thirty days, so I estimated based on my initial 1.5-Mile route)

• Road Races - Seven (Six in this year alone) totaling 33.5 Miles...

Seven Races!
 

• Medals Earned - Four (All in 2013)

Always Nice to Get One of These at the Finish Line!

So year number 47 was a good one for me, and I'm looking forward to starting number 48 tomorrow!

As promised in last week's post, here is the fitness plan I followed over the past week (May 13 - May 19)...

Monday - Stationary Bike for 45 Minutes (Hills, Level 7), Ab Machines (Cybex)
Tuesday - Ran 4.12 Miles (Pace - 10:28)
Wednesday - Stationary Bike for 45 (Hills, Level 7), 30-Minute Cybex circuit
Thursday - Ran 3.11 Miles  (Pace - 9:53)
Friday - OFF
Saturday - Ran 7.19 Miles (Pace - 11:13)
Sunday - Easy 2-3 Mile "Family" run (with Michelle and Mary) before dark this evening.


And here's the plan for May 20 - May 26 (no, I'm not taking my birthday off)...

Monday - Stationary Bike for 45 Mins (Sticking with Hills at Level 7), Ab Machines
Tuesday - Run 3 Miles
Wednesday - Stationary Bike for 45 (Hills, Level 7), 30-Minute Cybex circuit
Thursday - Run 5 Miles
Friday - OFF
Saturday - Run 3 Miles
Sunday - Easy - 2-3 Mile "Family" run with Michelle and Mary


As I turn the calendar to May 20, 2013, it feels really good to reflect upon my health in a positive light for the first time in such a long time; and while it's a little daunting to think about, it's also exciting to strive for some even more aggressive goals over the coming twelve months...but let's talk more about those in future posts.

Until then, enjoy your journey...