A message for you guys: at age 70, it’s a different ball game. Harder to stay in shape. Excuses more finely honed. Too cold to get in the water. Too late to take a run. Not enough time to work out. There’s also the fascination with my work right now, and the long hours at a keyboard/monitor necessary in putting together books and running a business. I’ve never been more excited with my work and consequently never had such a hard time breaking away to work the body.
Over the last year I lost a lot of ground. My last book was so time-consuming I got to a low in the physical activity department. My running dropped way off; less surfing and paddling meant loss of upper body strength. When the book was done I got a wake-up call. Use it or lose it. So true.
I’m pushing myself to get out there. Even if it’s just running a mile or two. Or like earlier today I decided to go for a paddle and the lazy guy on my one shoulder said, the water is so cold, you can work at the Mac a while longer, then go in and sit by the fire. But the healthy guy on my other shoulder said get in the water dude, you know it’ll make you feel better. Sure enough it did.
I find this again and again. Trying to push myself to do something physical, whatever form it takes. Maybe just walking around the block. Jumping in the creek. A run way scaled back from my serious training days. Don’t neglect the body. As stretching guru Bob Anderson says, “You never hear anyone say, “I’m sorry I worked out.'” I guess I’m writing about it because at my age it’s so easy to give up and every time I grab hold of myself and propel myself out into the physical world, my body and my mind feel infinitely better.
And we feel so much better when we exercise every day. Better = clearer thinking, finer intuition, an awareness of the body from toes to temples.
No matter what one's age, we do need to choose to make that initial push, however, once in motion, I find that my body wants to remain in motion, so it's easier and no longer a choice. Yes?
p.s. Scott Creek down here was the place to surf this a.m. Don't know what break would be wonderful this a.m. up your way, Bolinas?