April Showers

It seems just yesterday I was in my 20's, I could eat anything under the sun, drink like a fish, and had energy all the time.  But now just north of 50, I can no longer gulp down ghost peppers like popcorn without paying for it for a week.  Nor can I close down the bars then spring out of bed the next morning and make it to work on time.  Even rolling out of bed these days comes with some grunts and groans for the first few steps - at least until I've had my first cup of coffee.  

Me atop the 3000' peak of "Dragon's Tooth" just off the Appalachian Trail, Summer 2013.  Photo by Ryan Setzer

For me, April has always been the month to get outside and shake off the winter.  We burn our socks and put the kayaks into the water, we lace up our hiking shoes and hit the trails, dust off the camping gear and gulp down a weekend of clean fresh air.  

May is now only a week away.  The kayaks are still strung up and dry.  The camping gear is still stowed.  But at least this past Sunday we got back out on the trail for a brisk 8 mile hike.  It nearly killed me.  I was a seriously hurting unit by the end with my lower back threatening to make me an invertebrate if I took another step.  I was not as active as I needed to be this past winter, apparently.   I guess I can't let my aging bones entropy for 3 months and expect to just jump up and go like I used to.  It was a painful lesson - literally.  

We've got plans for extensive travel in the coming years and that includes plenty of walking, hiking and other physical activities.  I need a better regular physical routine - especially in those lazy cold months.  Fortunately, I've got an amazing personal trainer - Denise.  She sticks to her workout routine even through the winter and it includes cross-fit, running and Brazilian Jiu-Jitzu.  She chokes down a serious regiment of vitamins each day and fills our diet with healthy ingredients.  Omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates and antioxidants are part of our daily vocabulary.  If anyone can get me back moving like I should it will be her.

© 2016 Images by Design

We're restarting our early morning walks as soon as I get back from this short business trip.  I was going to take a photo walk-about this evening to keep the stiffness from this past weekend at bay, but as you can see from this view from my hotel room, that's not happening.  I guess it's a boring waddle on the fitness center treadmill for me tonight. 

This starting to get old stuff isn't much fun, but it sure beats the alternative.