I don’t believe in resolutions, because they don’t
work. But I do have goals, so what
better time to restate them than at the first of the year. My
number one goal for 2012 is to maintain my health, so that I can
continue an active lifestyle as I age, and more importantly, so that I can
continue to be an effective support system for my daughter, who lives with a
chronic disease.
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| Old injuries don't get better with age. |
As I age, the
aches, pains and limited mobility from my 39 year old spinal cord injury are
getting worse. While I can’t do anything
about the injury, I can minimize the effects of aging by staying active
and taking care of myself. It’s more of
a challenge now than ever due to old knee, foot and shoulder injuries that
want to limit my activity. But I’m
determined to work through or around them by whatever means necessary.
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| I started swimming competitively when I was eight years old. |
I plan on doing this
in four ways: by swimming, cycling, strength training and
eating right. In the meantime, I plan on cross country skiing as much as possible
this winter. I crave the mountains any
time of year. I live 12 miles from
Brighton, Solitude, Snowbird and Alta, so it’s crazy not to get up there as
much as possible. Solitude has a great
Nordic track, which I plan to frequent. Park City’s White Pine touring center is also
great.
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| Lots of veggies, nix the bread and sugar. |
To help me with nutrition, I came across two great websites
that have terrific information, most of it free. Peertrainer is one, and the unlikely name of
JJ Virgin is the other. (JJ is a PhD. nutritionist
who collaborates with Peertrainer.) Eating right is critical, because I want to
build my strength and endurance, while dropping about 10 to 12 pounds. Part of this is a vanity thing. I have a great cycling kit that I want to wear,
but it’s spandex and a race-cut, which means it fits very tight, hiding
nothing. Got to get rid of the love
handles and extra flab.
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| The MS Bike Tour is only five months away. |
The deadline for this goal is June 23rd, when
I’ll be riding in the annual MS Bike Tour to raise funds to find a cure for
multiple sclerosis, which affects more than 40,000 Utahns. That gives me about five months, which is
plenty of time to shed 12 pounds. I’ll
keep you posted on my progress. Right
now, I’ve got to go buy some new swim goggles.
Swimmers take your mark….
Great post, Bob. I love your new goals and it sounds like you plan to be healthier and happier. I don't have access to a pool right now but I think swimming is the best all-round exercise one can do. Your emphasis on exercise and healthy foods can buy you a more active and happy future while adding years to your active life. I''m sure that you are an inspiration to all your friends and relatives, as you are to me. And, all I can say to your new goals is "why the hell not?" Rock on, Bob!
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