Overdue Update and Progress Report

50, and going strong!

Since my last post, life has certainly included it's share of ups and downs. For various reasons, I've experienced emotional stress like never before.

Thankfully, I'm "over the hump" and in a better place now, and optimistic about better and better times ahead. The support of good friends, family, my faith, and the ability to visualize happiness, have made all the difference.

With all of the upheaval, sorrow, stress, and dismay that was on my plate, one of the things that always made things better, and helped keep me centered and sane, was (and is) physical exercise, and the rewards of good nutrition. Whether intense, focused lifting, the calm of a meditative run, or an all-out competitive match of racquetball with old friends, the effect is always release of stress, and the kind of deep relaxation that gives way to peace and a sense that everything is going to be okay. The simple process of goal setting, and then working for achievement of such, has been a great tool for taking the focus off of difficulties I might otherwise be prone to fret and even obsess over. Also, practicing meditation has been a blessing, and has me always refining my visions of the future.

Speaking of achievement, I have made some notable physical accomplishments in the last couple of years... In 2014, I ran in a half marathon (finished in 1:43, at a pace of 7:55/mi - same as the pace I ran a 10k in the year before) beating the goal I set for myself. Then, I have won two doubles racquetball championships in Des Moines, (with a doubles partner, of course) most recently at the Iowa Open in early March 2016. Also, I set a goal to do 50 consecutive (and strict) pushups by the time I turned 50. I passed that up, and am able to do 60. In the bench/squat/dead lift, I'm lifting heavier than ever before, all while keeping my body fat at, or below 10%, feeling and moving great.

I'll be 51 in about six weeks, and look forward to reaching still more levels of personal achievement. I'm always gratified, too, when I'm able to offer assistance to someone who's journey includes the desire and drive to reach for their own personal achievements. If that's you, I'd be happy to help.

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