I sit here basking in the afterglow of my first sweaty and dirty event training session in ages. It occurs to me that this, to me, is that "runner's high" or endorphin dump we all hear about. I have run a thousand miles in my lifetime and I have never experienced any kind of runner's "high". What sparked this session tonight? I was laying in bed today and I had this moment of pure self disgust. I pondered "What have I become and where did the old me go?" . Lately I have felt completely void of energy, motivation, or interest. Originally I thought it was due to the fact I'm 43 and definitely feeling the shift in my chemistry. This was confirmed via blood work through my wellness physician. My testosterone level was 15 (@80 is ideal). My female hormones were also out of whack along with several vitamin deficiencies. Correcting these issues became my immediate priority after all,I kinda miss feeling invincible.
The interesting thing is by correcting these things and starting back on my Play Again supplement many of my chronic muscle and joint pains also subsided. About the time this improved darn it if plantar fasciitis didn't strike with a vengeance. Let me tell you, that cool poster of the old dude that says "growing old is not for sissies"... It's the truth! Last Sunday night my big brother was in a near fatal motorcycle accident. He had surgery yesterday and we have to wait and see if he will be able to walk again due to damage to his spinal cord. So flash to 3 pm today when my lazy ass was too unmotivated to even get out of bed. I suddenly felt this overwhelming need to find an event to train for because THAT IS WHAT I DO. That's what I have always done when life gets out of control. I control the one thing that I alone have authority over and that is ME. My saying is "when life is good I train.When life is bad I train harder".
So on August 8th I plan to exhibition lift with the 181 lb men in Martinsville Indiana at the U.S Strongman Classic. I don't have a clue how I will do because I've been out of the game for so long but I am hoping my brother will be well enough to know that I am doing it in honor of his strength and the fight that is ahead of him during his recovery. His wife passed away 3 months ago so he's already been fighting a battle. I just want him to know in my own little weird way, this one matters more than any of the others because it's not about personal pride. I hope I can stay healthy over the next 2 months and avoid injury. Perhaps that will be my next blog. "How to adjust your training when you reach the worn out years".