Set goals to take care of yourself

Over the course of my career I'd like to think I've mostly managed to take care of myself health-wise. Whether being part of a start-up and working 70+ hours a week or working (and traveling) long hours as an executive at a Fortune 50 company, I've tried to make it habit of exercising and staying otherwise active despite being in mostly sedentary, white-collar jobs. Now I've certainly worked with folks who have done a far better job of work-life balance in terms of living healthy than I have (triathletes, bodybuilders, cyclists, fitness instructors, etc.) but I'd like to think that I'm at least "characterized" by living healthy more often than not.

Over the years I've come to realize that much like career achievements, personal achievement in terms of your health rarely happen without setting goals & objectives; and there's nothing like a deadline to help motivate you toward a goal. With that in mind, at the encouragement of one of my long time friends, last year I participated in a (very) mini-triathlon. With a 1/3 mile swim, 18 mile bike ride, and a 3.1 mile run these "mini" triathlons are certainly doable by someone of even of my model year and mileage. Much to my surprise, I actually finished and did not come in last place (probably because there were octogenarians in the event as well). Given that once again I find myself in need of getting my body back in shape for the summer season I have decided to sign up for the same event again this year.

There's no motivation like a deadline; a point in time in which you will need to out-swim, out-bike, and/or out-jog at least one 80 year-old in order to maintain your man card. As such I would encourage anyone of similar vintage to consider such an event as well. You'll find the other participants surprisingly encouraging (and not in a "run, fat-boy, run" sort of way), the challenge invigorating, and there's nothing to lose (except possibly your dignity as somebody's grandma blows by you on her 27-speed Italian road bike). I gotta go put on my running shoes. I have a lot of work to do...