Hard won fitness wisdom

You were born 9-5-22

Already I have no idea what I'm doing with you.  So let me talk about something I do know.

When it came time to choose a path your Dad asked himself what the most powerful experience he ever had was (before meeting you of course).

It was getting fit.

I thought if I could share the experience with others that maybe it could be powerful for them too.  I could have a career I felt good about.  

Be it running, lifting, or yoga, fitness made me feel better and taught me a few lessons along the way.  Set a goal, do the research, do the work, your world changes for the better.  You become stronger, more flexible, more determined.  You make friends, rivals, travel a bit, surpass goals and hopefully enjoy yourself.  The lessons of fitness apply everywhere.  School, work, friendship.  

Hopefully I've even learned a thing or two that'll empower you. Here are a few of the good ones.  Some are simple,  some may become more profound as you age.

1-I can't want it for you-  If you decide to play hard I'll be at every practice and every game, but it has to come from you.  The NBA, NHL, NFL etc would look a little bit different if the parents' desire were at all important.  I know enough to help make you special, but you have to love it.

And if you don't care about fitness I still love you the same.

2- Working out is hard, but being unhealthy is harder-  This is the reason I want you to be fit.  Winning games and setting records are great, but I love the process.  I love the way a ten mile run feels.  I love hitting new yoga poses.  I love the confidence that comes with achievement.

There will be days when you don't want to practice, or work out, but trust me when I say you never feel worse after.

If you sit still too long you will feel much, much worse.

3- Your body follows your eyes-  When you're running, biking, skiing or driving look to where you want to go.  Instinct will take you there.

There's a metaphor about life and goal setting here as well.  Eyes up!  Find the horizon.

4- The best athletes have coaches- If you coach yourself you'll end up only doing the things you're already good at.  

Let go your ego and work on what challenges you.  It is OK to be bad at something.  It is not OK to accept that.

Everything can be taught.  Everything can be learned.  Seek out Coaches who are intelligent, honest, kind, and unmerciful (not cruel) when called for.  

5- Pain refers out- in the event of an injury the problem is rarely where the pain is.  Its usually a joint above, below, or from something higher order. 

This applies to people too.  Pain doesn't sit still, it gets passed.  Keep that in mind as you deal with others.

6- You can't out-train a bad diet-  This can set you apart from day one, or catch up to you by age 30.  

7- The race doesn't always go to the swift, but to those who keep on running-  Life is a marathon.  Some get a head start, or a ton of natural ability.  Persistence evens the field. 

That's the best I got kid. 

Welcome to the world Aiden Stephen Allison.