Iron Pol

George Schweitzer has an ongoing series of posts describing some of the benefits he sees in the endurance lifestyle.  They are often based on a unique perspective, and are almost always funny.  I've learned a lot from George over the past two years, and like to post my own experiences when they fall into the "benefit" category.

Last weekend, we needed to have my wife's car looked at because of a "check engine" light.  I dropped the car off, and they said they would need it for about one hour.  Since I had completed a 16 mile run earlier, and hadn't had the chance to eat lunch, I figured that was a good option.  The rep at the dealership offered to call the courtesy van for a ride, and I turned him down.  Just a short distance down the road from the dealer is an outlet mall with a restaurant.

I headed that way, only to find out that the restaurant was closed.  I kept walking with the intention of eating at the first place I could find.  Barring anything else, I knew of a Hardee's I could hit.  And, of course, there wasn't anything before that Hardee's.  When I got there, I saw an Arby's a short distance further, and decided a wrap from there would beat about anything from Hardee's.

I ate lunch and headed back to the dealer.  As I walked onto their lot, they called to let me know they were done.  The round trip was about 3.5 miles.  Including lunch, it took me about one hour to complete.

Many people would have taken the courtesy van.

Another benefit of triathlon training shows itself at work.  We have a Health and Wellness program that provides incentives (very small ones) for documenting a variety of "healthy lifestyle" items such as training, physicals, dental visits, etc.  This year, they are doing a "Survivor" program that will also entail a "Five a Day" challenge of eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

Each year of this program I've achieved the highest level possible.  That success has little to do with changes in my lifestyle.  It's all the result of things I already do.  Train four times a week for 30 minutes or more.  Participate in "community runs," including any races.  Complete an annual physical.

This year, I will participate in their "Survivor" challenge, because the only change I have to make is checking a little box each day when I finish my fifth serving of fruits and veggies.  That usually happens around noon.  The best part is that the winner gets a $500 gift certificate to a local bike shop.

So, I'm in it for my wife, this year.  I'll work hard at every aspect of the program.  And if I'm lucky enough to win the grand prize, I'll be able to buy my wife a new road bike, courtesy of my employer.  Of course, there are a lot of others who will be taking part.  A few are even people who have never participated in the program, so that's a huge plus.

There are lots of benefits to the endurance lifestyle.  Many are well known and easy to see.  In the background, there are lots of benefits we often fail to notice.  But they are there, helping us in all we do.  The only thing required of us is to continue doing what we love.

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