I’m doing the work. My wife and I are doing everything we can to stay healthy and that includes keeping our routine of meal prep on Sundays and our exercise plans. I still run three+ times a week, but I’ve added StrongLifts 5×5 workouts and pull-ups to my run days. I tried alternating between the gym (I have a bedroom converted to a gym at home) and running, but it was too much and it wore me down. Skipping days to allow for rest/recovery has made all the difference and I’m seeing great results in speed and strength now.
I see more people out on the street running, and I see more people walking with their kids outside. This is great! Coupled with eating real food, these people are well on their way to a healthier life. I make sure to take a wide arc around anyone I encounter outside, and while it’s annoying, it’s necessary.
Are these challenging times? Yes. Are they insurmountable challenges? Absolutely not. I love challenges. I want to have to work to accomplish things. Accomplishments without the effort have no meaning. For my friends who play video games, there is no enjoyment in getting top-tier items without having put in the effort. The game quickly becomes stale and boring because it’s the journey and not the destination that makes the game enjoyable. I feel the same about my health, fitness, and my life. I try to turn every situation into an adventure. When Sherry gives me a list of groceries, I try to get them all at one supermarket. If items are unavailable at one, I go to another. I try to complete my grocery missions with the fewest stops possible, and I consider it a win when I can get it all done at one store.
I have a very physical military school coming up soon, and I am preparing for it by pushing myself hard on my runs. COVID-19 doesn’t stop the military, and training will proceed as planned, albeit with fewer students (to conform with social distancing rules). I look forward to this school, and I want to make sure I’m as ready for it as I physically can be considering my two injuries late last year. I am pretty sure I’ll be up to the tasks.
I know it’s hard right now. I know it’s tempting to say “Forget it!” and stop eating right or stop exercising, but I challenge everyone to not let COVID-19 derail your health, your fitness, and any progress you’ve made. Kick COVID-19 in the teeth and keep up the hard but good work!
Paleo Marine 