Getting healthy and fit in real time, in real life…

So, it’s not Summer anymore. Officially.
Alright, so it might have been officially autumn weeks ago, but I was still hoping Summer would blend seamlessly into Spring and Autumn and Winter would be skipped entirely.
For all of those people who love Fall and Winter, I make no apologies.
Fall and Winter means I’m constantly wearing my coat indoors, sporting a runny nose and frozen fingers.

I’m still struggling to get over my cold from a few weeks ago, but as my respiratory system is always the slowest to recover, maintaining my regular running schedule is proving to be challenging.
In the summer, I noticed that everytime I did the Grouse Grind, my lung capacity temporarily increased, making my next run a breeze, so to speak.

So, being the impatient person I am, decided to hike the Grind yesterday in hopes of recovering my respiratory system ahead of schedule.
I can’t tell if it worked yet or not, but I can tell you it was quite the challenge.
I should have realized that if my lungs weren’t functioning fast enough for my running, they surely weren’t going to cooperate for climbing Grouse. 

But I survived. I made it to the top, both sweating and hypothermic.
Figure that one out.

So while I may have temporarily increased my lung function, I might’ve gotten myself sick all over again.
The path up Grouse was paved with good intentions?
If I accomplished nothing else, I’m almost positive I worked off my turkey dinner.

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I started talking about this last week, and I’m at the same place today. Maybe it’s the way I’m seeing the world, the way I’m feeling, or maybe it really is true: everyone seems really tired and down right now. 

Is there something in the water?  Is it the slowly changing weather?  Is it turkey hangover?  It was like this last week too, and I can’t really figure out why.

I don’t know the reason, but I can’t tolerate it any longer.  I’m trying so hard to pull myself (and whomever else I can manage) out of this slump, but the small things that usually work aren’t working.  Although it did feel good to win that computer game that I shared last week… I’m finding that the overall general setting on my mood meter these days is: “down”.  That’s different because normal for me usually feels pretty ok.

I’m even having problems coming up with My BT today!

So something has to change.  Right now.  And so here’s my dedication:

1. Yoga.  I’m doing some tonight if it kills me.  And doing it on Thursday night too.

2. Climbing.  I know it’s supposed to rain.  So I’m going climbing indoors either tomorrow or friday night.

3.  Dealing with an issue with a friend that’s been making very sad. I will get some closure either tomorrow or Friday night.

4. I’m going to make dinner for my friend on Thursday.  And I do my best to focus on big positive things, like dreams and wishes and funny stories and all things wonderful. And we’ll make healthy food to help our mood.

5. I’m having my first appointment with my psychologist tomorrow.  (I just dare you to judge me.  Did you know that UBC has great benefits that cover most of a visit?  So, honestly, I might just think you’re crazy if you’re NOT seeing someone!).

6. I’m going to write. I’ve started taking a freelance writing course (thanks to my UBC benefits! I love UBC!) and it makes me inspired to write (and hopefully publish).

So I challenge all of you who are reading this, who are feeling down or lethargic.  Can you do something to get our of your funk?  It’s really hard to drag myself to even commit to writing this post, but I have to do it. As the Chinese proverb says:  “You cannot prevent the birds of sadness from passing over your head, but you can prevent their making a nest in your hair.” (I’d argue against this if this proverb was talking about those with depression and other mental illness though!)

First things (if you’re feeling a little like me) that I’d recommend:

Checking that it’s not something more serious: http://www.cmha.ca/bins/meter_page.asp?cid=2-267-1304&lang=1

Talking to your doc about your health, in case there’s something else that’s making you feel tired/down.

Anyways, best of luck to you all.  May happiness and laughter rain down upon you.

My Best Thing Today: Writing this makes me feel like I’m going to feel better soon.  Hope is a great thing.

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One of the most beautiful and endearing films I have ever seen featured Kevin Costner as your average guy with a dream that he made come true because he believed he could. I am sure that many of your recall with fondness: Field of Dreams.

While the vision of famous baseball players disappearing and reappearing from a corn field is an appropriate notion for fall and baseball playoffs, another theme has emerged over the years that appears to have equal if not more appeal. In fact, I would notch this attraction up one because it provides you with an excellent way to get fresh air and exercise for hours. Furthermore, depending on how lost you get, there might be a nifty Alfred Hitchcock-type lead into Halloween for you.

Folks – Welcome to The Corn Maze.

Just imagine. It is a gorgeous, sunny autumn day.  The air is cool, requiring a jacket, but it is not too cold that a brisk walk won’t warm you up in no time. The kids are out with their friends for the day. It is a perfect time to take your favorite companion for an afternoon of reuniting with the simpler side of life that we normally drive past all summer. There is also a sweet smell to the corn that reminds some of us of memorable walks in the multicolored falls in Ontario or the Gatineau hills in Quebec.

Indeed – my favorite time of year.

To maximize enjoyment and minimize the potential for getting into trouble, please note the following. Advise your partner beforehand to wear waterproof footwear and heavy socks. Sometimes the path has puddles or is muddied by a lot of traffic. Wear a pair of jeans or pants that can afford to get splashed by flying mud or when you do a 4.5 Olympic Full Gainer into your partner’s left ankle. Wear a  jacket that can be burned after your outing. You may need a warm fire depending on how long you are out.

Have a positive attitude. Remember – it is a corn field; a beautiful example of humans harmonizing with nature from the sown seed to the grandeur of eight foot stalks that, if constructed properly, will hold you within their grasp for hours on end as you try to keep your blood pressure in check figuring out how to get out before Christmas.

Finally, remember that swearing, name calling (even if deserved), calling your lawyer and screaming are not permitted at any time.  Most important, you will have had a full afternoon (and perhaps evening as well) of exercise and fresh air.

Now – who is ready for a fresh cob of corn for dinner tonight?

No takers?

Next Week: The Fall/Winter Conspiracy

Have a week of good health.

Rick

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