Update

Been busy after the Holidays and the start of 2012.  On January 10, I rode my bike to work... (18 miles one way and in January without winter gear!)  I rode home that afternoon in a T-shirt...  In JANUARY, in Minnesota?

Getting good workouts in and not losing weight.  After a solid first 8 days into 2012, where I worked out about 2 hours daily, and at least one hour of that was cardio over 145 HR, I stepped on the scale with anticipation...  PLUS 4.2 pounds!  I wanted to use four-letter words but realized there were as many choices as three and five-letter words to use.  Spend a few days pissed off and then get back on track, and do not plan on visiting the scale for a while!

Tennis has been finished for just over a month. Initially, I had planned on helping the Association cover the collegiate season, which starts this weekend. However, after some thought (and pushing from others), I decided I would not officiate for a while. Have I looked at Lacrosse? Well, that is false. I am going to improve my health and eating. That takes time by itself.

For about 13 years, tennis was a significant part of my identity.  That of which makes me, me and makes me feel whole.  Many of you may understand when I say you have an identity outside yourself, which makes life whole.  Some have running ultra-marathons, some are their spouse, some are their children, and so on...  Well, my son and tennis have been at least 80% of who I have been since getting divorced over a decade ago.  SHIT, it has been over a decade!  Time flies...

Either way, I am trying to adjust and find new passions. I look forward to the outdoors, but today, the wind chill is -35 degrees, so I will stay in. Thank you. I am considering upgrading the bike for the spring. I am considering putting a flat bat on my 25-year-old Cannondale SR 400. Flat-bar road bikes look funny, but I like the flat-bar better.

For Christmas, my girlfriend purchased a weekend outdoor photography class (Coldsnap.com—Winder Wonderland) in late February. I hope for better than -34 degrees, but it will be fun to learn. I will share some of the results later.

Running still needs to be improved.  I need to get the weight down to ensure the knee is not an issue.  So indoor biking, elliptical, and weights are the extent of the workouts.  An occasional swim and yoga are also enjoyable.

That is the extent of it. I will continue onward to regain a sense of identity lost with leaving tennis. It was time, however. I really was not enjoying it, and many of the people I dealt with were not, so it was time for a new hobby. I know I have a very happy week after volunteering for an ultra-marathon. The next close opportunity for such looks like Zumbro 100! I think I should contact John and secure a spot.

I leave for Colorado tomorrow for four days. It should be fun. I'm going to help my son move and get caught up on some matters that need attention. He just returned from five weeks in Chile. I hope to get some good stories and pictures.

Please be warm and take care of yourself.

Carry on...