This video captures a brilliant moment in the history of, well, me.
When we are presented with an obstacle or challenge, as easy as it may seem to overcome, it is necessary to maintain a proper balance in order to do so.
That's a metaphor in case it was lost on you.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Thursday, September 5, 2013
The Struggle: Truth Behind the Lies
If you watched my last video you may remember that I laid out a plan for the coming week where I was going to hit the gym on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The plan was to also clean up my diet a bit and start eating healthier.
None of that actually happened.
When I made the video I really meant what I was saying, and at the time, in that state of mind everything seemed on track. What happened? I'm not sure exactly. A combination of things I guess.
I was honest at the outset when I said I struggle with fitness. Don't we all? I know there are people out there who work harder, and have more stacked against them than I do, and yet they still make it to the gym or fit that run in where ever they can.
But let me tell you something about that.
Just because someone else has it worse than I do, doesn't make my struggle illegitimate. If that argument has any validity at all then there can only be one person in the world that is worse off than everyone else and thereby gets a free pass to make all the excuses they want. I imagine that person has never seen a gym though and their chief concern is probably where to find clean water on a daily basis.
While I meant what I said in the last video, I feel bad for not following through.
On a positive note, I have been more active in other pursuits. I've been land paddling, SUP'ing, running, and cycling. Although on the run last night I strained my calf again so I won't be running until it heals. I should have known better than to push it when it was already tight.
My diet is also coming along. It's not great but I have reduced portions, and replaced some of my go to snacks with healthier alternatives.
Here is something I am proud of: It has been four and a half months since my last Dr Pepper. I've been tempted a few times where it was really hard to resist. The strongest pull was after I cut the piece of my thumb off. Leaving the ER I really wanted to stop at QT and get myself a Dr Pepper, after all I had just been through a traumatic experience and deserved a treat. Luckily I came to my senses, and my resolve held. If it hadn't I'd probably back up to three or four a day by now.
I wish I could apply that resolve to other areas of my life.
So in summary:
Oh Yeah, I actually did make it to the gym yesterday here is proof!
None of that actually happened.
When I made the video I really meant what I was saying, and at the time, in that state of mind everything seemed on track. What happened? I'm not sure exactly. A combination of things I guess.
I was honest at the outset when I said I struggle with fitness. Don't we all? I know there are people out there who work harder, and have more stacked against them than I do, and yet they still make it to the gym or fit that run in where ever they can.
But let me tell you something about that.
Just because someone else has it worse than I do, doesn't make my struggle illegitimate. If that argument has any validity at all then there can only be one person in the world that is worse off than everyone else and thereby gets a free pass to make all the excuses they want. I imagine that person has never seen a gym though and their chief concern is probably where to find clean water on a daily basis.
While I meant what I said in the last video, I feel bad for not following through.
On a positive note, I have been more active in other pursuits. I've been land paddling, SUP'ing, running, and cycling. Although on the run last night I strained my calf again so I won't be running until it heals. I should have known better than to push it when it was already tight.
My diet is also coming along. It's not great but I have reduced portions, and replaced some of my go to snacks with healthier alternatives.
Here is something I am proud of: It has been four and a half months since my last Dr Pepper. I've been tempted a few times where it was really hard to resist. The strongest pull was after I cut the piece of my thumb off. Leaving the ER I really wanted to stop at QT and get myself a Dr Pepper, after all I had just been through a traumatic experience and deserved a treat. Luckily I came to my senses, and my resolve held. If it hadn't I'd probably back up to three or four a day by now.
I wish I could apply that resolve to other areas of my life.
So in summary:
- Lies
- Guilt
- Struggle
- Activity
- Pride
- Hope
Oh Yeah, I actually did make it to the gym yesterday here is proof!
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Land Paddling
Yesterday I did a little Land Paddling, and decided to make a short video to show everyone what it's all about. Land Paddling is cross training for Stand Up Paddle Boarding but it is also a fun way to get around in it own right. It is also quite the head turner. From their expressions I could tell that some people thought it was pretty cool, others thought I was an idiot, and some couldn't wait to tell their friends or family that they saw some weirdo pushing himself with a stick while on a skateboard. I enjoy it quite a bit I'm thinking about getting a board more suited to land paddling from Billy Lush Brand who are on the forefront of developing land paddling into a viable fitness activity. Their boards are wider allowing a more natural SUP stance which is easier on the body allowing for equal paddling on both sides. In a staggered stance on a regular longboard while paddling on both sides is possible most paddling is done on the front side. This unbalanced approach led to a little strain in my right shoulder. I'm almost healed now but that wider BLB board is sounding better all the time.