Struggle. Lack of knowledge. Determination. These words closely summarize my continuing attempt to live a healthy and fit life. Over the years, I have grappled to find the best programs to develop my physical self. Some have worked, some have failed. But I haven’t given up, nor will I. Like most of us, my education in this area continues to be greatly tempered with obligations and things that pull us in different directions. I hope to share with you my journey and what I have learned; take what you want and leave the rest.

I have always been physically active. My parents were athletic; Mom played industrial basketball and Dad received a scholarship for baseball in their younger years. From them, I received the importance of physical fitness and healthy competition. I played different sports as a child, and ran track and played football in high school. In college, I swam and played intramurals. I even played rugby until I broke my wrist. I tried to stay active in college, doing the best I could with what I had.

During my Senior year of college, I got very sick and tried to press on. I was about to learn a life lesson from that decision that has stayed with me to this day. Instead of taking the time to heal and get over a cold, I kept up my normal schedule; I didn’t rest or slow down enough to allow my body to recover. I ignored the symptoms as the cold got progressively worse. As a result, I developed pneumonia and then pleurisy and ended up in the infirmary sleeping for 24 straight hours.

Laying in that sick bed, I realized that my health was a vital part of existence; as vital a part as my mental development. I saw that physical movement does not equal health. Somehow, that part of learning was not being emphasized by systems of higher education. I concluded that it would be up to me to stay fit and healthy.

I had to drop some courses to recover at a new pace and with a new attitude. As I resumed my studies, I focused a little more of cardio development and building my lungs back up by running. Physical fitness would now be a part of my daily activities. I started jogging the trails around campus and it felt good both physically and mentally. A new activity was born.

As I entered the Navy’s Aviation Officer Candidate School, physical fitness was emphasized along with mental and spiritual development. The obstacle courses, swimming, long runs, marching, and attention to detail was what I had been looking for and didn’t know it. I flourished there and enjoyed every minute. I couldn’t get enough. Fitness was an integral part of development– something I had not truly incorporated prior to that time.

Fast forward 30 years. I was flying for a major airline, was a Captain on a B-767, and traveling internationally. I weighed 226 pounds. I had bursitis in my shoulders. My knees ached and I had sinus infections several times a year. I ran into a classmate of mine that had gained a lot of weight since we were hired– I didn’t recognize him. He barely recognized me. When I walked away, I had another epiphany. It was time for another change. I had forgotten what I had learned.

I had always wanted to run a marathon. But how does an overweight, out of shape, 226 pound man with bad knees do that? I knew I needed help and sought out a coach. Not just any coach, but I wanted to invest in the best and make it worth my time and effort. So, I contacted Chris Carmichael, Lance Armstrong’s coach.

He was limited and very expensive for what I needed, so he referred me to one of the other coaches that worked for him, Katie White. Katie was a cyclist and she soon changed my life…again. She took the time to listen to my needs and explored my physical abilities. She put me on a diet, and I started water running of all things.

Slowly, I lost weight, the bursitis disappeared, my knees improved, and my mental fog disappeared. Instead of going for a marathon, see introduced me to triathlon. My first sprint was scheduled and I showed up weighing 176 and feeling fit. That first race was eye-opening. Whatever could go wrong did. But I loved it. A new stage of my life was born and a new way of living emerged.

But the story doesn’t stop there. I have learned a lot during the last ten years about health, fitness, what it takes, and where I want to go. It is an ongoing education and I will share more with you soon. In the meantime, please don’t settle and allow yourself to get out of shape. A little determination, self control, and discipline practiced everyday will make you stronger. And a stronger, healthier you is what we should all be seeking.

“’Come to the edge,’ He said.

They said, ‘We are afraid.’

‘Come to the edge,’ He said.

They came. He pushed them…

and they flew.”  – Guillaume  Appollinaire

Fear. The distressing emotion associated with real or imagined feelings of dread or apprehension. We have all felt that powerful emotion and often become paralyzed in its grasp. The strong hold of fear often prevents us from moving forward; moving in the direction our goals and away from impending danger. We can become immobilized by its power if we aren’t aware of our innate ability to overcome it. Fear often prevents us from realizing our own inner strength and wealth.

Where do you think the most wealth in the world is found? In banks? In art museums? In the world’s biggest cities? Nope, none of these. The place where the overwhelming wealth of the world is located is graveyards. Generations of would-be entrepreneurs, inventors, artists, writers, and so many others that did not fulfill their dreams lie buried there along with their possibilities. They took their ideas, wishes, and opportunities with them, never sharing them with the world or developing their own true wealth. Why? For the most part…fear.

Fear of rejection, misunderstanding, criticism, and other’s opinions prevented them from sharing their inner wealth with the world.  The world is a poorer place because they let their imagined fears get the best of them. Don’t let fear control you. Embrace its energy and intensity to compel you to greater heights. Learn to be uncomfortable and experience its power. Repeated exposure to the things you fear will deplete its grip over you.

Do not let your dreams and wishes die with you because of imagined fears; don’t let others rob you and the world of your inner wealth.  Take inventory of your fears, embrace them, go to the edge, and jump.  Don’t be afraid. Take charge and overcome your fears. Your wings will allow you to fly; they just need to be spread and used.