When did I get so old? I spend a lot of time remembering lately. I do this alot. Every time I sign on Facebook I see and remember simpler times and places.
Grade school friendships that started in my childhood. Gene and Kurt are two friends I have reconnected with on the FB...It seems like yesterday when I was hanging out at Kurt's house, during the 22 hour alaskan summer days or skipping church with Gene to talk baseball and hit rocks with stick in back of the church.
My high school friends are too numerous to mention by name here, but I remember each one and have great memories about all of them. Hilarious times in class, wrestling and running.
Sometimes I think I never grew up in my mind...34 years later I still want to do the things I did in high school...Like running. As you all know last week I ran what can only be described as the slowest 5K in the history of mankind. Sore, yet somehow proud I was determined to run again...first two times a week then 3, then well who knows...
I began my second run sore but (literally) determined to make steady progress and not stop. The Goal was two miles and on the recommendation of my Doctor, keep my heart rate to no more than 140. The location was Bear Lake, Utah. At the one mile mark, I was forced to walk due to my heart rate but proceeded with a variation of the Swedish training regime called "fartlek" that I can only describe as "walk slow, jog even slower"...
Being last is a new experience for me...Uncharted territory. Running, which was always so easy, is much more difficult than I had ever imagined. I have a new found appreciation for all those who struggled to finish races and the courage and determination they all had.
Two miles in 24 minutes, a new baseline..it certainly felt faster in my mind, but, still was somehow satisfying. Adapting is difficult, but, we all have to do it at some point in our lives...and I am more appreciative of the gifts I 've been given.
I accept that my body will never return to the fitness of my youth...age and CHF have taken care of that...yet, my mind still thinks I'm 18....
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