It was an amazing week of workouts. For the most part I'm pleased with my 7-day step count.
As long as I can average over 12,000 steps daily, I'll be content. This week, as per usual, I had three strength training sessions, including today's.
It's a sad thing to see the gym so empty.
Already the newbies who started at the beginning of January (after making a "resolution" to do so) appear to be falling by the wayside. One of my own resolutions this year is to read more. As you know, I want to be a person who is interested in learning and doing new things. I think that books can help you do that. One area I do follow through on is training. It seems that I never lack motivation in that area of my life. For 2026, I am only picking training goals I am excited about. No "shoulds." In addition to my May ultra, June climb, and July wave-riding adventure on Oahu, I'm looking into the idea of returning to Colorado to run the Bolder Boulder again. I am very very sad that I won't be able to visit Israel as planned in order to promote the release of my new grammar, but obviously the timing isn't right in light of world events. Here are some things I'm not going to do:
- Hang out with people who bring me down.
- Miss a chance to spend time with my kids and grandkids.
- Sweat the small stuff.
- Dwell on the negative.
- Quit.
Someone has said that when we humans set goals, we often play it way too safe and pick goals we think we can easily accomplish. I think there's a lot of truth to that notion. Why are we so reticent to stretch ourselves and take risks? Goals that aren't very intimidating probably aren't worth having in the first place. I remember signing up for my first marathon. I was so scared and excited. Just the thought of crossing the finish line brought tears to my eyes. One of the things 2025 taught me is that just when you think you're working as hard as you can, you're not. The point is not that we achieve our goals, but that we go on to another level and become better. For example, I'm still chasing down a Boston-qualifying marathon time. To some of you that might not sound like much, but so far I've failed in 20 attempts. Training and working towards BIG goals takes a whole different mindset -- one I am ready to tackle! Life is all about understanding and tapping into your full potential. The goal is to stay in the game long enough to let the tough times pass and move into brighter days.
Enough rambling, however. For those of you who joined the gym but are thinking about stopping, be proud of your body regardless of the flaws you see. Always have a fitness goal, be it running, cycling, lifting, anything. The more you work out (be it at a gym or elsewhere), the healthier you will become. It just takes time and perseverance.