It's not Everest, but it's something

Until last weekend, I was plugging along with my health program. Then I got a cold and felt like dirt.

I didn't want to curtail my training, so I contacted Karen Goodale, manager of Kenaston GoodLife Fitness, to ask her advice. It was odd phoning another adult to ask if I should skip workouts; it felt like I was back in high school making excuses to the principal for missing a math test.

Goodale was kind, though. Her advice was sage. She said, "Take care of yourself." She went on to explain that exercising while ill likely wouldn't offer me a good workout anyway. I was to rest, walk my dog if the weather was dry and do light stretching.

To ensure that I didn't pile weight on what would be a relatively sedentary body, I kept my calories low. I even checked the calorie count on the Neo Citran I planned to take.

While I was sniffing and checking the long big list of emails (which I didn't have the energy to return), I noticed a news story sent to me by > a good friend in Edmonton. Her news clip noted that a former high school classmate, Laval St. Germaine, had just climbed Mount Everest -- without oxygen.

St. Germaine was great in English class, nice looking and an excellent archer. I'm not sure why I remember things like this, yet forget where I put the mail. That being said, St. Germaine reminded me that being in my > 40s doesn't mean it's time to hang up my exercise goals.

As I struggle to get a waist size smaller than my father's, I marvel at how someone my age could climb Everest. A few weeks ago, I could barely climb the stairs. St. Germaine trained for years. I suppose that answers my question

While I admit that Everest will never be in my cards (I'm a klutz, there's not a Sherpa guide alive willing to risk taking me) I respect those who have placed their sights that high. My goal is a little smaller; I hope to have the stamina to keep up with my kids. It's starting to come. I've gone for bike rides with my girls, and I no longer huff and puff. For the most part, my knees don't crack like an empty pop bottle with my every move.

Going through this process has been helpful. People offering tips make me feel that I'm not alone. And I'd especially like to thank those who offered words of support at my aunt's funeral a few weeks ago. It really does help knowing others are cheering me on.

St. Germaine has also inspired me to take my program to the next level. Now that I'm somewhat healthy, and no longer feel like I'm walking through fog, I'll contact my trainer, Silvo Fava. I'm sure he'll get me working at a more effective level.

By the time summer hits, I want my kids to be hoping they can keep up with me.

char.adam@mts.net
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