I got about a mile down the road when I decided that running in 90 degree weather is stupid, so I started walking. Then I got sick of being outside in the heat. But since I’m not a quitter I didn’t turn around. I ran a little bit, then walked a little bit all the way to the end of the road and turned around. By now my shins reminded me why I hate running. Surprisingly my knees had not decided to explode yet.

The way back was a mix of running and walking. I’ve decided that if it weren’t so hot, and I could condition my shins into not screaming bloody murder after 3 or 4 blocks of running, I could probably do a mini-marathon given my current shape.

I’m still not happy with the shape I’m in, but I may have to face the fact that I’m not 18 and playing hockey three nights a week anymore and might never get back into the shape I’d really like to be in.

That said, since February I’ve lost 15 pounds, leaned up a bit, and started eating healthy. This is a pleasant change given the habits I’d developed the previous year or so. I figure a few days a week at Cardinal Fitness and maybe a day or two of running or roller blading for the next few months religiously and I’ll be in about as good of shape as I have the time for.

All in all I’m not ready to commit to a mini-marathon yet, but at least I know with a little work I could probably handle it without dying. Whether or not I ‘work’ or not remains to be seen.

1. Lose Weight: I don’t consider myself overweight, and I am in no means overweight when considering my age/height, however, I’m above my target weight. I feel like I’ve eat too much and am not as active as I’d like to be. Here is my plan: Purchase a stationary bike, play Hockey, quit laying around after work.

2. Get back into shape: You’d think that this would fit under No1, but to me, it doesn’t. It might certainly be a result of No1, but I could easily lose weight without increasing my stamina and energy level.

3. Get my General License: Now that the FCC has dropped the Morse Code requirement for all Amateur Radio classes, I have no excuse. I just need to hunker down and study. It really only gains me HF privileges and I don’t have an HF radio, but I would still like to do it.

4. Catch up on new/old Technology: This is pretty much a requirement of my job, but I’ve been doing a lousy job of it lately. I get so busy at work that I don’t have time to read/research/poke around with new technology. And once I get home, I don’t feel like it. I got a few good books for Christmas and need to set aside some time to read them. I also need to read up on a few of the things we’re going to be implementing at work.

5. Cook More: I can do it. I’ve got the tools. I just need to make myself cook. Too many microwave dinners, too much eating out, too many pizzas.

6. Save for a Down Payment: I kinda started this in August but I need to work a little harder at it. A buddy of mine moved in December, seeing his house and helping him move/rearrange made me jealous. I want the flexibility of a house, and I want to start gaining equity. And I want a garage. :)

7. Do something Racy: (Its not what you think Mom) I often say I own a street legal Race Car. And I do. But what have I done with it? Nothing. I want to autocross, or rally or something. Maybe even just go to a performance driving school.

This is the end of Part 1. If/when I think of more, I’ll add a Part 2.

1. Lose Weight: I don’t consider myself overweight, and I am in no means overweight when considering my age/height, however, I’m above my target weight. I feel like I’ve eat too much and am not as active as I’d like to be. Here is my plan: Purchase a stationary bike, play Hockey, quit laying around after work.

2. Get back into shape: You’d think that this would fit under No1, but to me, it doesn’t. It might certainly be a result of No1, but I could easily lose weight without increasing my stamina and energy level.

3. Get my General License: Now that the FCC has dropped the Morse Code requirement for all Amateur Radio classes, I have no excuse. I just need to hunker down and study. It really only gains me HF privileges and I don’t have an HF radio, but I would still like to do it.

4. Catch up on new/old Technology: This is pretty much a requirement of my job, but I’ve been doing a lousy job of it lately. I get so busy at work that I don’t have time to read/research/poke around with new technology. And once I get home, I don’t feel like it. I got a few good books for Christmas and need to set aside some time to read them. I also need to read up on a few of the things we’re going to be implementing at work.

5. Cook More: I can do it. I’ve got the tools. I just need to make myself cook. Too many microwave dinners, too much eating out, too many pizzas.

6. Save for a Down Payment: I kinda started this in August but I need to work a little harder at it. A buddy of mine moved in December, seeing his house and helping him move/rearrange made me jealous. I want the flexibility of a house, and I want to start gaining equity. And I want a garage. :)

7. Do something Racy: (Its not what you think Mom) I often say I own a street legal Race Car. And I do. But what have I done with it? Nothing. I want to autocross, or rally or something. Maybe even just go to a performance driving school.

This is the end of Part 1. If/when I think of more, I’ll add a Part 2.

Though potentially harmless when done individually, together they can be devastating to your awake status at work.

Antidote: “Hi, yes, I’d like a regular Mocha please” … “Thanks”

This is a bid to get myself back into the shape I was one year ago. Hockey shape.