Standing Tall

I had to go to the mall on my lunch hour today to return a few items, and while there, buy my son a pair of swim trunks for our trip (dangerous move).  I've been needing a new pair of running shoes for several weeks, and I've not had a lot of time to shop for them.  When I find a pair I like, and at the right price, they don't have my size.  

Today was my lucky day. 

I found a pair of hot pink and black Nike running shoes, light as a feather, good support, and they'll work equally well for training at the gym.  I'm jacked!  New shoes!  New shoes!  Can't wait to try them out. 

Speaking of running and exercise, there was a segment on the NBC Nightly News last night about avoiding height loss as we age.  

Got my attention.

My inner voice was cheering to me, "Atta girl, T...keep at it!"

This made me immediately think of my mother-in-law.

My mother-in-law spent the weekend with us, and I hadn't seen her since Christmas.  I notice that each time I see her, she looks more frail, moves slower, more aches/pains, etc., and I've been noticing this for years.  Oh, I appreciate the fact that aging happens.  We stare it in the face every morning.

But I'm convinced that much of what ails her and her increasing limitations has to do with her inactivity over the years.  This woman rarely participates in any form of physical activity.  She has walked now and then over the years on occasion, certainly not a regular commitment, and not at what most would consider a brisk enough pace
to get her heart rate up.

And as for any sort of calisthenics or stretching or weight lifting?
 Forget it.

Apparently my subtle encouragements and hints I've dropped over the years have fallen on deaf (deafening) ears.

Not this chick.  I won't go down without a fight.  I refuse to lie down and surrender to these degenerative processes.  It's up to me to do my part to stay in the fight, on my feet, and standing tall in the face of the enemy.

This is why I move.

This is why I train.

This is why I walk, run, and incorporate varied cardio into my life.

I "move" mostly because I can, and I move with a deliberate and conscious resolve to overcome obstacles and setbacks.

I move so that my parts don't -- well, disintegrate to rust!

And as the NBC segment mentions, the earlier you start moving, the better.

“The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion

to their commitment to excellence,

regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.”

- Vince Lombardi

I commit.

I will strive for my personal best level of excellence.

My quality of life deserves it.