Fitness Arrogance

One of the things I've noticed about some people in the fitness world is a high level of arrogance. Don't get me wrong. Not all fitness-minded or health-conscious people are prideful. That is not the case by any means, but I have noticed that there are those who seem to look down on those that don't eat the same way they do or have the same training "discipline" that they have been blessed with. Know who who I'm talking about? Anyone come to mind?

We'll call this person "Fitness Know-It-All" for reference purposes -- FKIA for short. Here's a typical conversation FKIA might have with a co-worker:

FKIA walks into the break room. Joe is minding is own business eating a snack from the vending machine.
FKIA grows irritated by just seeing the snack and asks Joe, "How can you EAT that? Do you know what that DOES to you body? I wouldn't feed that to my worst enemy!"

FKIA rolls her eyes in disgust and walks out of the room.

Later that day, FKIA overhears a conversation in the hallway and her ears perk up because they're talking about falling off the wagon when it comes to their diets.

FKIA proudly states, "I NEVER eat that garbage!" Again she walks away confident that her co-workers will truly admire her willpower and they will see the folly of their evil ways once they see how great she looks from the back as she walks away...

FKIA also jumps into conversations about exercise so she can point out that they are all doing cardio incorrectly. Their heart rates should all be at 153 for x amount of minutes instead of "just" walking outside in the park or jogging a few blocks around the neighborhood. 

Okay, you get the picture because you most likely envisioned a "special" someone in your life that could fit this stereotype.

On the otherhand, if you think FKIA is normal and is in the right, then go eat a chocolate sundae, have a large pizza, and get a life! Because life is just too short to make those around us miserable.

If you're a fitness enthusiast, encourage those around you. Give them practical tips to stay on track in their diets and workouts. Motivate them. Don't insult them.

Enough said on that.

Pounding The Pavement Again

My daughter, Alyssa, decided to run track this year. She's doing the 100 meter and the long jump. I did those events in high school along with the shot put and discus. After attending one of her practice meets I could see she needed some extra coaching so I'm now her personal track coach! I started running with her at night and we've gone over to the long jump pit to practice technique.

I realized I missed the sprint training I did years ago. Exploding from the starting position is a powerful feeling, but I'm taking it easy and doing a little bit at a time. I don't want to risk injury so I still haven't done a full-blown, 100-meter sprint. My legs aren't as young as they used to be and they need plenty of warming up and coaxing to get them in shape for that.

When I refer to a sprint I'm not talking about fast running like most people do for interval training. No, I'm talking all-out, as-fast-as-you-can-go, beat-the-clock sprinting. Lots of people go jogging and I've done my share of long-distance running over the years, but running as fast as you can for 100 meters with the wind in your face makes you feel like a powerful rocket, even if it only lasts for a little more than 10 seconds.

I'm looking forward to the progress that I make and what my 100-meter time is these days. More than 25 years ago it was 12 seconds. Maybe these old legs can get close to that once again!