For those who have read my past blog entries, you will know that I am very passionate about sports. I love my Giants, 49ers, Sharks, and Warriors. I also love to play baseball, football, hockey (except I waddle when I attempt to ice skate), and basketball. In the past, when I would be feeling sad, or had a lapse in my weight control, I knew that I could have a good run, or play a hard game of basketball, and that I would feel much better. However, two years ago, I injured my knee, and have been battling pretty severe patella tendonitis ever since. I have been to four physical therapists, three knee doctors, and have had numerous MRI's and X-rays, yet the discomfort continues. I am not able to enjoy the activities that I used to be love.

So, I have been forced to find alternative ways to get the physical activity that my body needs. Although it has been a challenge, I have found a couple of suitable coping mechanisms. For one, I have developed a like for competitive power walking. As crazy as it sounds, on our daily morning walks, I walk as fast as I can, and count the number of people that I pass. Not to be cocky or anything, but I consider myself a pretty darn good competitive power walker. Also, although it is not the same as going 100% in a game of basketball, football, or baseball, I have become the best sport power walker ever. I am now able to maneuver my way around a basketball court or baseball diamond without putting excessive pressure on my knee while still getting activity. Getting activity even with limitations - it's good stuff.

Labels: activity, determination, exercising

With the NCAA tournament starting today, I figured that it would be an appropriate time to bring up just how great sports are.

It is well known that playing sports is a form of exercise, which is quite beneficial to the health. However, most people don't take time to look beneath the surface, and examine how many parallels there are between sports and health. Weight control is a multi-faceted effort. Not only does it involve exercise, but also goals, peer support, proper education about what foods are healthy, and above all, the will to succeed. Sports share many of these same attributes.

Take a team playing in the national football league for example. As the players enter training camp in late July and early August they have several objectives. One is to get into game shape. They go through series upon series of grueling drills to ensure that when September comes around, their bodies will be ready to handle the impact of a 60 minute game. Another is to learn the play book, and get themselves mentally ready for the upcoming season. Many teams also state clear goals going into training camp. Some shoot for a divisional title, while others have a "super bowl or bust" attitude.

Once the season starts, and the players have done all they can to prepare themselves, there are two main elements that can be viewed as the make or break points for a certain team. One is the coaching. Players can be extremely talented at what they do, however if they are not put in a position to win, then they will not have success. The other element is the desire of the athletes. These multi-millionaires, who live a privileged life have to ask themselves how hard they are willing to work, and if they are willing to put their bodies on the line to succeed.

As farfetched as this analogy may seem to be, organized sports, and weight control have many similarities. It is easier to view health as a challenge, something that you can work towards, similar to sports, than an insurmountable problem.

18 days until opening day.

Go Giants

Labels: determination, sports, weight_control