48 Hours in Houston

It’s been many years since we visited Houston, TX. Shannan came with me as I needed to inventory items for our archive, identify materials for an upcoming exhibit and conduct an oral history interview. We arrived a day early and toured the USS Texas, a 100-year-old battleship. It is a grand living museum.  We spent most of the day in the Houston Museum of Natural Science, this too, was superb. The museum covers 2/3 of the material I teach an introduction to Humanities class. Better yet, the museum currently has an exhibit of prehistoric cave paintings from France. What a delight! We dined in all local establishments and the weather was gorgeous.

Prior to my long day of archive related work I took a four-mile jog. I cruised around the area close to the Houston-Hobby Airport. I have run there many times over the years. Still I managed to cover new ground and really enjoyed the outing. The sunrise did not disappoint. As I jogged I thought of the project that lay ahead and the great experiences we had in the previous day. This fueled my mind and body.  By 10:00 I dropped Shannan at the Johnson Space Center for a full day of NASA fun and then happily went off to collect materials and information.  Living, learning, and running make a tremendous combination. 

For business or pleasure, RUN!

Tom

Do the things you love

Cautiously, I stepped out for a run on the official first day of winter. Being in southern Florida I didn't expect the climate to be too off putting. However, I ran on the beach in Miami some years ago. The temperature was 55 degrees that morning, so this time I was prepared and brought along a pair of gloves. Caution quickly turned to euphoria. A gentle breeze moved the warm air across me like a tropical welcoming committee. I ditched the gloved and took off running. 

While out on the road I reflected on 2013, which had been an outstanding year for Shannan and me, the surroundings and how delightful it was to be out in the early morning doing one of the things I love the most. Life has been very good of late. We are happy, healthy and have great things happening in our careers. I have been reflecting quite a bit lately. I entered far fewer postings on this blog in 2013 compared to all previous years. This was an intentional move. I spent more time thinking about why I exercise and what it means to me than writing about it.

In 2014 I think the postings will branch out a little to include more than just health and fitness, but always be tied to traveling and making the most of the human experience.

Live the life imagined. Run.

Tom

Food Choices, Restrictions and Diets

Shannan and I recently spent some time in California with her family. We joined others to celebrate her aunt's 80th birthday. As you might imagine, family meals were a major focus of our time together. The odd thing came in managing a variety of dietary concerns. We had to have offerings that were both dairy and gluten free, for one, low sodium for another and two folks were on a strict Paleo Diet. The latter two elected to go on the extreme diet as part of a Cross Fit training program. I can appreciate that.

 

Across the weekend I considered revamping my diet for the coming year. As many of you know, I am not a dieter. I enjoy food, especially carbs. Generally, I try to make healthy choices at meal times, and mostly I eat within moderation. Where I fall down is with peanuts, donuts and salty snacks. If I had to write out a formal diet, like most others it would incorporate a lifestyle change as much as a food choice. My diet plan would of course, include daily exercise, and a meal selections similar to what Laura Ingalls Wilder describes in her "Little House" books.  Her husband, Almanzo, and her father, Charles, both ate meat and fish according to migration patterns, as well as in vegetables, fruits and grains that grew locally. They drank milk and had donuts here and there. By all accounts both men lived healthy and active lives. The trick comes as these fellows, like others on the prairie at the time, engaged in active work every day. Truthfully, that is about how I live now. So, my diet plan is the status quo. Make good choices at the table and keep your body in motion.

 

Eat Well. Exercise regularly.

 

Tom

Being Grateful

As I enter a new calendar year and press toward the 17^th year of The Streak I realize how this part of my life is more than a great gift of health. Daily exercise allows time to reflect, explore and has opened doors in surprising ways. I know all too well that not everyone can engage in physical exercise, and the vast majority of able bodied people can’t manage to carve out the time every single day.

For me, this nearly 20 year old physical journey has become deeply spiritual and philosophical. I completely enjoy the holistic benefits of The Streak. Running, exercising, and living a healthy lifestyle are key components to my identity and happiness. I am thankful for the wherewithal, resources and the support of others to keep The Streak alive.

Identify whatever brings you joy. Run it down and stay with it!

Tom