Tiger made me do it

I am discovering that the definition of middle and old age is much more relative that I used to think. When you're 15, anything over about 21 is old. Anyone 50+ is clueless, infirm, and requires fairly constant supervision.

But, your perspective at 50 is different. It didn't result for me from a sudden revelation, it evolved over the long heartbeat of time. I now understand and even appreciate why my parents did some things that seemed idiotic at the time. I also try to learn from things they did then that don't seem wise even now.

One glaring error of omission for both of my parents: no exercise. Nothing. Ever. I try to get a decent workout at least 3 times per week. Per the good doctors at the Cooper Aerobics Center, the cardiovascular benefit of exercise is measured in 3 dimensions: duration, frequency, and intensity. A minimally beneficial regimen requires 30 minutes at least 3 times per week with a heart rate (for me) of 140-150. Adding a fourth workout plus a few more minutes to each is good, but the majority of the cardiovascular benefit is achieved with just this. Working at a higher intensity (meaning higher heart rate) moves me in to the anaerobic zone, which has benefits, but probably does not add any cardiovascular improvement.

So, I know I need to do this. Every week. But I still struggle many weeks to get my butt to the gym. I am continually seeking new ways to work out, new variety, new challenges to maintain motivation. Endorphin highs help. So also does feedback from a product developed jointly by Nike and Apple called the Nike+ SportKit. I insert a mercury-based potientiometer into or onto my shoe (Nike+ shoes have a built-in slot to house the device, but I despise Nike shoes) and a receiver into my Ipod Nano. The system then tracks my mileage, pace, and time. As I listen to my power tunes playlist, verbal status updates are offered throughout the workout. And, the final encouragement comes directly from a few famous (and Nike endorsing) athletes.

Last week, I ran about 4 miles in a little under 45 minutes. At the completion of the workout, Tiger Woods says to me: "Congratulations! You have just set a new personal best by running the fastest 1 mile you have run. Keep it up!"

For a 50+ year old, this is one more arrow in the quiver of motivation. I need all the help I can get.