Another month’s gone by.
My weight is remarkably stable, deviating only a few pounds either way, and it’s been like that for months. I’ve been better about my diet, but not as much as I should’ve. I’ve added creatine supplements to my other vitamin load. The change has been subtle, but I’ve noticed my weightlifting days go easier one and recovery has been way better and faster.
I ran in my first 5k, coming in 77th overall, 3rd in my class, men 60-69, with an average pace of 14 min mile.
That stupid hoodie is a 2x and it floats on me.
My watch was clocking the first two ago 13 and 13.5 but I walked some the last mile, as well as took a water break. Here’s the deal though, 2nd place as a friend of mine who walked with another friend, cutting the course short, and #1 was a 69 year old dude with a 9 min mile. I’m dubious. It was a funny event. For about half of it, I was stuck around a couple…uh…curvy black women. I’d pass them up, then they’d get busy running and pass me, only to run out of steam and start walking, only to have me pass them up again. It was a hilarious cycle. Eventually they flat out gave up. That said, it wasn’t a race for me. I was out there to run with my friends before cooking dinner. That may be a thing for me now for Thanksgiving.
Another part of fitness I haven’t explored here is mental fitness. I was in a dark place for a lot of November. I was approaching the first Thanksgiving – ever – that I was without family of any kind. But that all evaporated Thanksgiving day. Running with my friends, then coming home and cooking dinner for the girl and a friend lightened my mood. It was really nice, and put me in a fantastic mood for the rest of the weekend. I’m learning to put the serenity prayer in action. There are things outside my control that I simply can’t be getting wound up about any longer.
This week is a by week for me. I’m overdue for one. I’ve been trying to take a week off from flogging myself with exercise and let my old joints heal once a quarter or so. My knees and feet have been getting sore. That’s a signal to take some time off and reset. I’m also getting a cold, so I don’t need to be out huffing and puffing in the cold weather. Besides, the work I’ve done has been showing. A few weeks ago the girl told me that I was far more fit than when we met (even though back then I was 185 and skinnier. Last weekend she was laughing and said “Wow, you really do have an ass!” (as opposed to a flat saggy old man butt). Squats and deadlifts are a thing, people. Best full body exercises you can do.
Speaking of cold weather, it was really cold and windy Sunday, which enabled me to wear my new goin’ to town shirt from Vice Grip Garage:
He’s got a new raffle for a Denali Diesel. Why not join the fun and get a cool shirt? I’ve been upgrading my wardrobe for the fall/winter, getting clothes that look good and actually fit. It’s a really nice, quality shirt. Today I pick up the last two pieces I’ve acquired, a couple pairs of dress casual pants that are being tailored. So I’ll be looking sharp as the holidays approach.
Inspected By Pat 