Marshall Ramsey

Nothing quite like the low 50’s to make you a stronger, faster and more confident runner. This morning, I ran a strong 5.25 miles and hardly broke a sweat until I was 2.5 miles into the run.  The stars were brilliant.  I normally keep my head down (to make sure I don’t trip) but this morning the awe of their brilliance made me stare at them lovingly.  As I felt my heart beat, I felt tiny in the whole scheme of things. But I felt alive, glad to be part of this moment on this small speck of dust we call Earth.  What a powerful run this morning. The cool weather allowed me to think of something larger than myself.

My sons are taking a track class.  They’re learning how to be better runners (both are fairly fast for their age).  It is a fun thing that we can all do together.  I went to the practice with them last night and watched them run relays.  A family that exercises together, stays together.

I read a report yesterday claiming Mississippi will be at 67% obesity by 2030. The Mayans didn’t even predict this kind of calamity. That’s two out of three people in this state being obese. Not overweight. Obese.  Right now it is a shocking one out of three.  I personally think this can be avoided. How do I know — I used to be obese.  And if I can do it, I know so many others in this state can, too. We can’t afford to get any bigger.

So I’m starting with the one person I can control: Me. And then I’m going to use my influence to keep my kids from suffering from being overweight. And if anyone else wants to jump on board, there’s plenty of room.

I wish I were outside right now. The weather is gorgeous. Thanks be to God for cooler weather.