Day 13

This was a rest day for me, no walk today, although Art returned to work and put Avina and me through the paces in our usual noon workout. Bear crawls, farmers walks, tire flips, pulling Art with a rope as he sat on top of the tire, and about ten other things I kind of don’t want to remember.

As we neared the end of the hour, I asked Art, “So, are you impressed with my new commitment to fitness?”

“No,” he replied.

I must have looked a little hurt and confused, so he explained, “You’re now doing what you’re capable of doing, what you should be doing.” He paused and then did not say anything else.

Although I had been seeking his approval, I had to admit that there was some motivational truth to what he was saying. To get stronger, I would have to do more than what I was already capable of doing.

Here’s an example. The other day, I walked from my house to the intersection of Northfork Drive and Cullen Parkway, almost exactly 2.5 miles. At that point, I had a choice: I could turn around and retrace my route back home for an even five miles.  Or - and I thought very seriously about this - I could turn south on Cullen and return home by another route that would add another three miles to make it an eight mile walk. After some deliberation, I decided to head home the way I’d come since it was getting later and darker.

I told Art this, and he seemed disappointed, like he thought I should have challenged myself with the longer walk.

For me, however, the achievement was even contemplating doing it at all. I probably could have made the eight miles, but decided to be prudent for now. The marathon is now fifty weeks away, which is both a long time and a very short time to get into shape. I may try the long walk on Sunday because I will have to do it sometime and time is passing fast.

I also didn’t walk tonight because (1) it was raining; and (2) it was Gentlemen’s Dinner night with my friend Manni and his two sons, Max and Luca. My son Josh came along and we had a lively evening of fine food at Killen’s Steakhouse, discussing golf, cars, and how important it is to be able to both give and receive help to and from people who care about you.

My son Josh is the best - he gave these young men his time, attention and sincere advice. I am a lucky dad.

Back to it tomorrow after basketball!