Fun In The Sun

       My wife and I recently drove to Daytona Beach for our son's wedding. We met up with our family and got to spend time with our grandchildren.  It was a good and much needed vacation..
       We swam in the pool and walked down to the beach one or two days.  We walked around Daytona Speedway.  We walked around St.Augustine and took pictures of the lighthouse.  We drove down to the Ponce Inlet lighthouse and walked around the grounds.   I did a 5k while there, a fundraiser for the YMCA.  My wife did the fun walk. I played with the kids at the park during our grandson's Birthday party, showing them the turtles and kicking the ball.
     You have to be fit enough to enjoy your life.  Of course you can eat and drink  while on vacation, that is what it is for.  Then, you get back to your routine when you come home. Fitting in exercise while on vacation, by walking, running or swimming is  a good idea, it keeps you flexible and helps you sleep.


Life is short, enjoy it.

Sweat: Brain Food

The weather is changing (finally) and the sun is shining. It’s nice to get out and get some fresh air and exercise. Sometimes we do “training runs,” but other times (most times for me), it’s just nice to get out and enjoy the time. I have a tendency to get lost in the moment. I can forget about bills and the crisis of the day and just run. I try not to think about overdue deadlines or a way to make something work out. Yet most times that I run, I do come up with some epiphany. Some solution to some thing that I had been trying to work out, finds its way into my brain. The act of running enables me to see the process needed to get the end result required (or at least a step or two in the right direction). The trick I have found is remember to write it down when I get home.

                                                                                                                                                                              

Run, Relax, Rejuvenate, Realize.

Stay Playful

      We had a great time when we went to visit my daughter, her husband and our grandson today.  We went out to dinner in New York City and had some tasty barbecue and then back to the house for some running and rolling around the floor.  Ethan keeps you moving, but it is great exercise and I love to hear him laugh when he "pushes Poppy over".
       Running, the exercise bike, walking on a treadmill, stretching, walking the stairs or just walking the dog all help to keep me fit and limber enough to enjoy playing with my grandson.  You can pick something you enjoy and do it daily to keep active and keep your joints flexible.

Stay active - stay playful...

Strong Brain

Exercise is not just good for the body: keeping fat down; helping stay limber; and helping us sleep through the night. It is also great for the brain. Contrary to what we used to think, we now know that as we age, we DO grow new brain cells. Our brain cells, like the rest of our cells, are always dying and new ones are growing. To regenerate cells, we need a strong supply of nutrients (through blood flow) and lots of oxygen. We get increased blood flow (bringing nutrients and oxygen) by exercising. That increased brain activity will keep your brain, as well as your body, strong. It will help keep you more alert, and will help stave off Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

Strong Body = Strong Mind

Phidippides Award

During the first couple decades of the 5th century B.C. parts of the known world were at war. One man named Phidippides ran to Athens, Greece telling of a military victory. Despite being a professional runner, he soon died from his effort. Today the United States Track and Field Association gives an award in that ancient runner's name to those members who participate in foot races. It is based on a point system for a certain number of miles for each of either a gold, silver, or bronze ranking. Last year, I earned a bronze ranking, this year a silver. It is based on a combination of age and mileage. To achieve an award, you need not be fast, only persistent. As with many things in life, it matters more about getting to the finish line than how quickly you get there. It's a matter of putting one foot in front of the other, and keeping moving.

One step at a time - but keep on stepping.

Freedom Trail Run

      Recently, my wife, sister and I took a weekend trip to Massachusetts.  We headed up to Salem on Friday night, then we toured Boston on Saturday.   I was happy to  participate on Saturday morning in the Freedom Trail Run, a 5k that is designed to show you historic sites in Boston while getting your morning exercise in.  The run passes by approximately 16 historic sites and I really enjoyed it and highly recommend doing this.
     While I was running/touring, my wife and sister were having breakfast and visiting the New England Aquarium.  Then we all met up and took the Duck Tour around Boston.
      Vacations, just like anything in life, are all about balance.  I ran, we did a lot of walking, but we also ate well, visited breweries and had a great time. Make sure you are getting your exercise in.  Park a little further away from the things you would like to do so you have to walk more.  Get out in the sunshine and get in your Vitamin D.  Use sunscreen to protect your skin. Eat vegetables and fruit and drink plenty of liquids.  Most of all enjoy yourself.

The Amount of Life in Your Steps

      Enjoy your life.  The quality of your life is just as important, maybe more important, than the number of years in your life.
     Yes, you need to try your best to keep yourself moving and flexible.  You should try to make healthier choices when you are eating .   Avoiding processed foods, "diet" foods, fatty foods and eating extra vegetables and fruits will help you to keep a natural, healthy balance within your body.
       Remember though, every once in a while you have to cut loose and have some ice cream, drink some beer or whatever makes you happy.  Keep in mind, anything in moderation and do your best to enjoy life!



Life is short so live it!
Dan