In my Information Technology role at work I go through an assessment of how things look within our system’s environment on a quarterly basis. I clean and trim the data fat, review operational performance, evaluate reporting usage and take actions to maintain and improve the operational effectiveness of the systems we employ. If that sounds like gobbledygook - in other words - conduct a computer system health check.
Earlier this month I had a health check of my own with my GP. It was more of a meet and greet as my prior doctor of over 30 years retired and I needed to switch over to a new one. We sat and talked for about ½ an hour reviewing notes sent over and my assessment of how I was feeling about my health. He listened to my heart and breathing and when it was over scheduled my next physical - 15 months out. By the way, something I learned - when you cross over to Medicare you no longer get physicals - you get a health check which is more “hey, how are you doing?”.
I’ve noticed as time has gone on that the time between physicals (which was once every 12 months) has progressively stretched with each scheduling. Computer systems seem to get better monitoring and scheduling than people, but alas that’s the world we live in.
While January 1st is associated with the start of new year’s resolutions, I prefer to wait until January settles in before deciding my goals for the year. I’ve tried resolutions in the past (e.g., 10,000 steps every day) and found they were a great way to kick start something, but then I would find it became more a weight that I’d wear each morning when I woke up. They say it takes 67 days to build a habit, so you need to stretch into mid March before you feel it’s part of who you are and what you do. I’d thought this year about a goal of writing 500 fictional words every day, but soon realized I’m not quite ready to go there and don’t want to disappoint myself…. yet. Hopefully one day in the near future I can get that engine revving.
Instead, I’ve decided that January and February are a good time to reset and re-energize on a number of fronts. In a sense, it’s time for my own personal health check so that I can better prepare myself for the road ahead. As part of that reset I am working towards a leaner Dave (drop 10 pounds) and sworn off the Trader Joe’s Dunkers (boy are they good and addictive) at least for the next couple of month until I see my goal weight.
I don’t know about you, but I find that my motivation, desire and overall feelings ebb and flow over time. RUNNH234 is a perfect example where I’ll go gung ho planning out routes, updating the website, writing and organizing materials … and then there will be times when I need to back off. I have a big NH marked map and photos on my office wall so the adventure is always visible and in my face. Now that I’m 75 runs into this quest I don’t feel as much pressure (on myself) to make consistent fast progress - especially this time of year - but more importantly I focus on ways to maintain a desire and dedication to see this through.
Often taking a break is helpful and refreshing. Last year, for example, I tore a hamstring in mid March while running in Pittsfield. I was sidelined from running for 2 months and was eager to get back at it once the leg was healed. This year I tweaked a calf playing platform tennis. Warning Dave - don’t ignore and push through, best to heal up and rest. The more I’ve aged the more I listen to my body and value rest, preparation and balance. I like to think I do a better job of listening in all facets of life. Today is Primary Day here in New Hampshire and I have to admit listening isn’t always easy. Here's a book recommendation - one I found helpful in today's fractured world – “I Never Thought of it That Way” by Monica Guzman - a great perspective on how to better understand and connect with people that have very different viewpoints and ways of expressing their opinions. With what we all expect to be a contentious political climate ahead you may find this book of help.
But I digress … while December was exceptionally warm and dry here in New Hampshire, January has been snowy with a recent arctic blast and bad weekend weather for running. It’s given me a great opportunity to slow down and assess the road ahead from an overall health perspective and make some adjustments. I spend more time in the winter on logistics planning which is essential to success.
I also received some great news earlier this month. As I’ve posted in the past, over the past few years I’ve experienced paroxysmal A-fib where my heart rate would significantly increase on a weekly basis for about a day leaving me fatigued and unable to do much other that wait it out. This past October I had a successful Catheter Ablation procedure and I have been A-fib free since then. There are no guarantees this is a permanent fix, but for now I’m thoroughly enjoying life without A-fib - plus I’m able to cut down on the number of meds in my pill box!
I’m not an advocate of surgery in most cases, but I have to say my knee and heart surgeries have paid dividends so far and I'm very happy with how things worked out to this point. Now I just have to make sure I’m smart about how I approach exercise and overall health - physical and mental.
I have a T-shirt that says “Run Rest Repeat” on the front. For me to keep in balance, energized and ready to go I think “Run Rest Rest Some More Repeat” works best - I usually get out only twice a week to run these days.
It’s important, however, to keep moving and not rest to the point of losing fitness. It’s a balance to be sure. Almost ⅓ of the way on this quest – 564 miles down, 1240 ish to go as we head further north into White Mountain country with some tough legs ahead. The pic to the right is a pathway in the Dartmouth medical complex that I ran along this most recent leg (74).
Nancy and I enjoy our New Hampshire excursions, seeing backroads and places we've never been to before throughout the state.
I’m feeling great and looking forward to the road ahead in bite size chunks as I listen to my body and mind so that I can recalibrate …. and of course get plenty of sleep and rest along the way!
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