It’s the last week of training. Twelve weeks have flown by and we’re getting ready for our fit-test tomorrow. This morning we ran 1/2 mile to stay loose for it. I look forward to see how I have improved. I finished first after the two laps, which I think is about the first time I’ve come in first. My goal is to beat 8 minutes tomorrow for the miles. We’ll see.
One of the exercises Paul has us do is run a Gauntlet while carrying a 25-lb. weight. We probably run a 1/2 mile or so like this and it can be tough. Your arms burn and your joints ache. But it’s a good reminder of what it was like exercising when we were all heavier. I used to weigh that much. It keeps me from wanting to get fat again.
But it also has other benefits. This weekend I walked the Color me Rad race with my wife and six-year-old. (My older sons ran with my nephew). I had run 11 miles earlier in the morning and was looking forward to a leisurely stroll with my family. My six-year-old loved the race with all the sights and sounds. At about mile two, we wanted to be carried. And I carried him up a long hill for about a mile.
Now you can argue with me that running with a 25-lb. weight doesn’t make sense. I’ll listen — but I’ll tell you this: Without PLS and without an running with the weight plate, I would have missed out on a golden memory. I would have lost valuable time with my son.
Fitness is about more than just looking good. It allows me to be a better father/husband/worker/etc.
That’s why I get up so early. That’s why I work so hard to stay in shape.