During the past eight months, especially in the beginning, there were some really hard days. There were a couple of days when I said, "What's the use", "I don't think I can do this", and one time I even said, "I quit". But through God's strength, I continued and it has changed every aspect of my life.
In January I started a journey to complete a 5K (3.1 miles) in under 50 minutes before the end of the year. Last Tuesday, I achieved a personal milestone by completing 3 miles on a treadmill in 49 minutes and 56 seconds. I celebrated by giving myself a knuckle bump and taking a selfie. Four days later, this past Saturday, I did the entire 3.1 miles in 48 minutes and 13 seconds. I understand that my achievement may bring a smile to some; after all, it seems small compared to what others can do, But for me, it was worth celebrating. Four years ago, after a severe heart attack, I struggled to walk even one mile in 40 minutes, having to stop several times to sit on a bench to catch my breath.
Although I celebrated, the distance and the time I achieved it, nothing life-changing happened on either of those days. However, during the 8 months prior, I noticed some life changes — not only physically but mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and even relationally.
Since January I have started doing things that I (and many of my family) never thought I could ever do. I can go to the gym for an hour, mow my yard, and go to a country music concert, all in one day, without being exhausted. Over the past eight months, I had two vacations; hiked in a desert in New Mexico, played golf with my kids at Panama City Beach in 96-degree weather, and jumped out of a perfectly good plane. I think clearer now than I have in years (You don't want to take me on in a game of "Scum"). It's even helped me relationally, I have the energy to go out with friends, play pickleball, and help Jean with my two favorite short people, Malachi and Zeke.
For most of us, our education goes well beyond our application. So, I know you know, that a healthy diet and exercise have the potential to change every aspect of your life. I am hoping this post will encourage you to call a friend now, set a start date to go to the gym or start walking, and then both of you go for a healthy lunch. It could be the beginning of a journey that could lead to the best life you could ever imagine.
I hope you sign up for my next post titled, "Stop Polluting Your Mind By Saying "I Am Too Old To Change" on my blog site at lastbestbite.com.
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