A New Year

It is hard to believe another year has passed.
It is hard to believe I am going to be one year older.
No, I don’t want to do 63 jump squats.
45 jump squats were bad enough for the other birthday boy.
I began wondering at about number 35 if I was going to be able to finish.
Then on to the “Shoulders”, I was told to pick the weight, “8 pounds”, I suggested.
The recommendation was received with unabridged enthusiasm.
It was like I said, “I have a really bad disease and am highly contagious”.
It is good thing looks can’t kill and words only sting the soul.
Next time I think I will recommend 9 pounds.
Let’s see what kind of response that generates.
It was good to have my training partner back for the first Saturday session of the New Year.
We both have new goals to set.
Mine, lose 20 to 25 pounds, do 25 chin-ups, get through the Ab Ripper without pausing and train for some level of a marathon, mini or otherwise.
My exercise partner was not as forth coming.
I am still waiting to hear those goals.
In closing out this past year a whole lot of thanks goes to Sparta.
She has challenged.
She has inspired.
But thanks also to Ammo, Ambassador, Transformer, my Saturday exercise partner, the Bear, Mr. Id, Superman and all of the others that each in their own way continue to make this experience more than just exercise.
Not an end but a new start in 2010, a weight loss contest, “the Ab Ripper”, continued exercise sessions, more aches, pains and intensity as the weight drops and the endurance climbs.
I know I am still wandering in the foothills but the mountains will still be out there when this climber is ready.