17 Comments
Jun 12, 2023·edited Jun 12, 2023Liked by James Breakwell

"Tassles?" (Side eye)

Expand full comment

I've joined my baby sister in working out daily at a cross-fit type of gym. By day two, my knees reminded me that I'm 10 years older than her and 1000% in worse shape. Do I still go? Of course I do-- because apparently I'm crazy.

Expand full comment
author

When your legs fall off, she can lug you around on her back like Luke carrying Yoda. Should be a great extra workout.

Expand full comment
Jun 12, 2023·edited Jun 13, 2023

I read the title and thought, Oh no! Another injury for James. Glad it isn't a really bad one. I really don't know how you or anyone can run 7 miles even in good shape from training. I couldn't even race (walk? shuffle?) you down and back up my driveway without dire consequences. I find it amusing that as senior citizens, our health insurance pays for a fitness center membership. When I could have used it, I was years younger and either too busy, too broke, too tied down by work....whatever.... to be able to go to one. Now that none of that applies, my body thinks it is a ridiculous idea, and no thanks. I think the insurance company is not out too much money on that bright idea of theirs. But, hey, congrats to you and Betsy on finishing the race!

Expand full comment
author

My gym is actually full of seniors. It's right next a retirement community, so that helps. You do ever decide to use that gym membership, you definitely won't be alone.

Expand full comment

I always love the annual race story, and think it is lovely that your oldest joins you now - along with your buddies - and that perhaps the second will next year as well. Glad you didn’t fall and really injure yourself this year!

Expand full comment
author

I truly have lowered everyone's expectations, including my own. If I don't fall and almost break something, it's like I won the whole thing.

Expand full comment

Now, let’s be clear - I wouldn’t run if there were a bear chasing me! But I’m thinking Betsy is already a runner? And that Betsy, Mae, and you could easily become regulars on morning or evening circuits of the neighborhood? You know, kind of a Neighborhood Watch with benefits. THEN you’d show up your buddies next year! Tho I have to say, after all your surgeries and sequellae this year I think you’re pretty amazing.

Expand full comment
author

If I trained every day, I still couldn't beat those other two guys. But I could probably walk the day after the race. The swelling is even worse two days after the race, so your plan might be worth considering after all.

Expand full comment

It’s good you wouldn’t run if a bear was chasing you, cause most likely you’d be one tore up, if not dead human. If I’m running my body screams “Whatever they want give it to them!”

Expand full comment

Thanks for the guidance!

Expand full comment

I’m starting to feel that the ghost that once haunted your van is now haunting your body...

Expand full comment

For lots of exercise without much movement I recommend playing Kinect Sports (and later versions or similar games) on Xbox. I'd also say FIFA, but it often gets problematic given it's linked with a lot of rage for the game itself and when opponent is winning. And I'm with you on the last sentence.

Expand full comment
author

I actually have a Kinect collecting dust in the basement. We also have the new Wii sports game that's on the switch. It's fun to play. If you want to make the whole house shake. I'm not sure our plaster can take it.

Expand full comment

That last paragraph? Me, in a nutshell. LOL. You know, remember every moment one of the kids wants to spend time with you because one day, they won’t, and that hurts.

Expand full comment

I ran a Spartan race at the start of the year. I was like your friends. My husband was like you. I felt fine the next day, but had to spend the next 48 hours lathering my husband in Deep Heat just so he could move 😂

Will he learn and train for our half marathon next year? We will see...

Expand full comment

Right now, I'm happy to be able to walk around Costco or Wal-Mart without getting winded. In my defense, I had an Ischemic stroke which mess up my right side, bladder cancer, and before I forget, I'm 71.5 years old. So I congratulate you and Betsy for your runs. (not the gut type, either).

My best to your entire family. Mike

Expand full comment