It’s about Quality of Life, not longevity: -- Quitman Stephens (Attorney) posted on his page entitled (This Is my happy Hour). He posted a picture of barbells in a gym. Quitman (The Q Man) posts many messages about working out. He is on a natural high about it. It is a great medicine physically and just as important, mentally. He is over 20 years my junior but definitely on the right track. This is why Quitman. -- It is about a discipline designed to build quality of life. Over the decades some of my friends subjected me to good natured ridicule and doubt about my working out so much. They would tell that it would not guarantee that I would live longer. They were right and I would agree with them. I would point out that my goal was to achieve “quality of life” while I was alive. I run 3 miles a day and average 8 minutes a mile about 310 days of each year. I have been known to be late for dinner parties and happy hours because I did not leave until I got my run in. It is a habit and discipline of mine. I always run after an outing as well. Mother Nature provides my gym and challenges. I run in 105 degree extremes and as low as 29 degree weather. Never when there is ice or lightning. Those are my thresholds and it eliminates many excuses. -- 26 year Report Card – --- Consistency -- -- I am 55 now and these pictures are current. I started at well over 210 pounds 26 years ago. It took 4 years to reach my objective. Light weights, situps, and 3 mile daily run (8 minute pace). I had to learn how to crawl before walking and patience, determination, and faith were all unexpected perks. I now stay between 175 and 188 depending on the season. I do not eat as well as I should but my bloodwork is always great every year. The Doctor says that based on my results, he cannot advise me to change anything. -- Quality of Life – I still play full speed sports. No 50 and over leagues yet. I was able to play in men’s leagues with my full grown sons to include “rough touch” football at full speed. Being able to play physically in men’s leagues (not coaching) with your sons is an experience that cannot be described or measured financially. We did that for three years. I still keep up with my daughters and we do some physically demanding things on vacations to include climbing 2,000 foot gorges in the mountains and plenty of hiking. No naps required. I can keep up with the Grandkids and throw the ball around, run, or get down on my hands knees and play house with the girls. Unexpected perks like discipline, patience, determination, and faith, have helped me personally, socially, professionally, and financially. -- What I Would do Different -- Unfortunately, some friends were not as blessed. Some have health issues from badly managed life styles and habits. Some cannot get off the couch, and some are not with us anymore. While they had some fun with me for being so determined, I wish I would have gotten in their face a little more and challenged them to do better for themselves. Maybe, some of them would still be around and giving me a hard time. They always meant well. -- So Quitman Stephens, keep posting and getting in people faces about doing something, anything to practice physical fitness. And if you ever question what your outcome might be, feel free to look at my report card again. Keep up the good work and word Q man….. It is about quality of life, not longevity. That is just another perk!
Posted on: Sun, 29 Jun 2014 23:38:28 +0000