200th blog post

It's my 200th blog post since I started my blog back in January (or Feb?) of 2007. Since then I ran (err, limped) through a half marathon. I think I've run two 5K's and one 10K. I've gone to physical therapy for tendonitis in my hip. I've gone through numerous heel lifts to keep my back spasms at bay. I've dealt with sporadic knee pain. I have found a new (and cheap) gym that is close to my house. I've kept up with Bikram Yoga. I've discovered Body Pump. I've flirted with my old standby IWTB dvd. I can pretty safely make the statement that if my body breaks down on me it isn't because I haven't tried to keep it functioning well.

Exercise is so vital. I don't even have enough space to list the 10,000 reasons why it is so important to make healthy living a priority. Sure you don't have to become a fanatic. Some people think I am but I assure you I am not. I like to drink beers in the sun. I enjoy a late night plate of chili cheese fries. Sometimes I'd rather order a pizza than make something out of my refrigerator. I've had my fair share of Johnsonville brats this summer.

The key is moderation, finding that balance between relaxing and partying and sleeping and work and socializing and family and friends and exercise. You really can't do it all, so you have to prioritize and you have to be open to changing those priorities. This past weekend I whooped it up at Jason's cottage with Martinique and Brittany and it was a blast. But then come Monday I was at a 5:00 Body Pump class. I figure if I can chill out for three days then I can find one stinking hour to do something positve for myself.

Sure we don't always feel excited about lacing up our shoes or driving to the gym or walking to work but we do it because we know it makes us better people. It makes us healthy. It keeps us strong.

And like my dad likes to say "If it's easy, it ain't worth a damn."