Good morning! Grab your coffee and let’s chat about this and that.
Earlier in the week I was blessed to chat with one of my dearest and most valued friends, Jim. Jim and I worked together for 25 years and spent time deployed overseas together as well. He is one of the best people I know, and I really miss not having him just a short walk away. Whenever we do chat, he always mentions that he reads my blog and that is so cool to me! I love you Jim!
Our group online half marathon is at the midway point and most of the participants are doing great and enjoying it. I say most, because personally, I am struggling. My hip has some challenges and I expected that, but honestly, just running has been difficult for me. Not one particular aspect, but all of it, my endurance, legs and my mental fortitude.
While it has been a battle physically and mentally, I am tremendously happy to be doing it! It is important for me to reconnect with the challenges of something which requires physical and mental discipline. When we trained others to run a 13.1 mile race, I always espoused the value of the mental reward which came with the training. Now the coach is learning it again!
I have preached and preached the importance of fitness in our lives and truly believe God has put me here to continue preaching! The science community continues to make it abundantly clear; WE have a say in our health. It is clear that exercise is one of the things which may help to prevent Alzheimer’s. Well, this nine year study of over 900,000 people found this: Per 1000, 9.5 percent who were unfit physically got Alzheimer’s versus 6.4 of physically fit individuals. The may less a may and more a fact! (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220228125736.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email)
Reading this study, it is clear, being physically fit is critical in this very scary disease. WE can help ourselves and we need to help ourselves.
Better sleep…
Despite being partial to running, studies have found that resistance training is more important than cardiovascular exercise. This does not mean that we should not do cardiovascular training, but if you have to choose one or the other, resistance has greater physiological benefits. This study found that resistance training helps us sleep better than cardio exercising. With the increasing understanding of the importance of sleep, it only makes sense that we need to find ways to help us sleep better.
Well my friends, I have to get along. I hope you have a great Friday and an even better weekend! God bless and please pray for the Ukraine!
Mike
