Life is Not Always Fair

   Tragedy does not discriminate based on age but I certainly have found that as I move through my 40?s it has begun visiting my friends and family with much more frequency. Just this past Saturday my good friend's husband had a stroke. He is a young man of reasonably good health, his whole future ahead of him and as I previously mentioned; tragedy doesn't care. I know as my friend sits by her husband's bedside waiting for the tide to turn and life to become fair again, she is asking herself "why do I exercise?"
   While her husband doesn't exercise, she certainly does whether it's a class, a swim or a walk. Sometimes when work is going wrong, the bills aren't paid or life seems unfair it's hard to see the point in what sometimes appears frivolous or self-indulgent.
   A few years ago after the death of her Mother this same friend shared this poem with me titled:
"Why Do I Run?"
Why do I run? Tain't no mystery--wanna have a good medical history,
Doctor told me runnin' is great--helps them blood cells circulate,
Great for the lungs, great for the ticker, can't nothin' gethca in better shape quicker,
Feels so healthy, feels so sweet, pumpin' my arms and flappin' my feet,
Moldin' my muscles, firmin' my form, pantin' like a pack mule, sweatin' up a storm,
Keeps me youthful, keeps me loose, tightens my tummy and shrinks my caboose,
Beats bein' sluggish, beats bein' lazy-- Why do I run? Maybe I'm CRAZY!

   Maybe it seems crazy in the wake of a life changing tragedy to run or walk, or bike or swim, or whatever mode of exercise keeps your muscles moving and your heart pumping. However, aside from the highly recognized health benefits of exercise like improved cardiovascular functioning, muscle tone, increased fat burning and lowered blood pressure to name but a few, it also improves your mood, reduces stress and increases oxygen to the brain which can help you deal with your situation better. During recovery from whatever situation you have endured, exercise builds confidence and character which builds a stronger self-image, and provides a sense of empowerment and freedom by knowing that you are strong and capable.
   Running is not for everyone but exercise is, so don't hesitate to get out there and find that activity that makes you want to get up in the morning and repeat it every day because of all the positives it brings to your life. Seek out a friend or group as the social aspect can be highly motivating, contributing to your success, and if you find yourself on the wrong side of lady luck keeping your body moving will keep that glass perpetually half full...even when that seems impossible.

_________________________

   Start your journey to the "crazy" side by attending the Resolution Run 5k on January 1st at Tri & Run Sports. Everyone registered receive a pair of Mizuno Breath Thermo running socks, some health and fitness and the company of some great, like-minded runners.