My Journey With Health And Fitness – Time To Pay It Forward

I so do not understand what is going on with the weather. I went out for a run again this and it was definitely not feeling like summer, as a matter of fact it was on the cold side. I actually questioned the wisdom of wearing shorts and a tank top. When I later went out for a walk it still hadn’t warmed up and it was very cloudy so I opted to put on workout pants and forego the shorts. Not the best plan is 1/2 way into the walk the sun came out and it really warmed up. I will note though, despite the weather being cool my run this morning was made more pleasant by the sight of an eagle out on the sand right at the water’s edge. They always just look so regal to me.

As I have gone on this journey of mine I have been very fortunate. I have a family that has supported me throughout all of this. I have amazing friends who have encouraged me along the way. There are some people that I hardly know that have helped motivate me. Hell, even this morning a group of young people (I’d say late teens to early 20’s) were shouting out ‘good job’ as I ran by them. I also have an amazing coach who has taken me from never having run to being able to do a 1/2 marathon. Looking at this I realize it is time to pay it forward.

I have a friend that I have known for about 25 years who like me has had significant problems with weight. Over the past few years she too has managed to shed some pounds. One of the things that has helped her has been doing a weekly run (among other things). She used to run years ago before she was married and had a family but then of course life got busy and she stopped. Now things have changed.

My friend contacted me a couple weeks ago to tell me she was determined to find a way to do a run 3 times a week. I realized this was my chance to pay it forward, to do what all of the support that I have received has done for me I can do for her. She texts me each day after her run to let me know that she did it and how it went. Each time I respond with words of encouragement and advice. I know how much positive words can do to motivate you and help you to keep going.

I have decided that I now have the opportunity to mentor someone along their own journey with health and fitness. I know that not everyone is going to be like me and get to the point where this has become a big part of my life especially since I have the advantage of time given that I am retired. What I can do is encourage and motivate. Pretty sure that is what I helped do yesterday when my friend completed her 2nd week with her new running regime. I can’t wait when a couple months from now her and I may go for a run together.

So pay it forward is what I say. Quite frankly it makes me feel pretty good too.