The 30 something father figure is back for week number two! It wasn’t a terrible week in terms of my goal to exercise, but it wasn’t without its challenges and disappointments; but that’s why I’m writing here. I want to be accountable, and I hope that some of you reading this can relate and maybe find some motivation for your own goals.
The past weekend on Cape Cod was pretty mild for December. After taking my 6 year old to lacrosse practice on Saturday, I zipped up the street with my mountain bike to hit the trails at Beebe Woods. It’s a great resource to have, with about 400 acres of wooded trails less than 2 miles from my house. Most know it for it’s walking trails and the Punch Bowl – a freshwater pond with a rope swing. If you take the time to explore the smaller trails though, you’d be amazed at what it has to offer – including technical mountain biking.
On Sunday I had high hopes of going for another ride. I guess the road to getting in shape is paved with good intentions. The Patriots game was at 1:00, not ideal for serious fans who also enjoy the fleeting daylight of winter weekends. Although the Patriots had the game in hand early enough to bail on it, I gave my wife the opportunity to catch the last of the day’s light for a run by the beach. After all, she is the 30 something mother runner!
By the time she got home, I knew I wouldn’t have time to mountain bike without fear of running into the nocturnal locals of Beebe Woods – the coyotes and skunks. Not wanting to be a failure for the day, I did as many lunges as I could without pulling a hamstring or falling down. Afterwards, I asked myself why it’s so hard not to stick with that simple exercise on a regular basis – in less than 20 minutes you can get an amazing workout for your legs, especially the muscles for skiing. Maybe I can challenge another friend (remotely) to keep up with those exercises, and the loser buys beers the next time we go out (God knows when that will be!).
I had another fun night of racquetball on Monday, so it looks like I’m locked in for at least once a week of chasing the blue ball. It’s a lot of fun, and you only need one other person. I’m really not one for solo exercise – I like team sports, or at least activity with someone else – whether it’s skiing, mountain biking, or going to the gym. Maybe it’s the only-child in me, but I’m 100 times more likely to get out and exercise if I have someone else to do it with.
Check back next week to find out how I juggled work, kids, house renovations, and getting my a$$ back into shape!
Great read Clarke, now do something for the 40 something who’s let then self go tremendously.
Thanks Rich! Hey man, 30, 40, whatever. We just need to find what works and stay motivated.