I eat my candy with the pork and beans..
January 27, 2010
What?? The title of this blog is a line from the song, "Pork and Beans" by Weezer. Basically it is how I feel about conformity and uniformity in regards to my age. Check out the video on youTube when you have a chance.
At 52, going on 53 this June, most people I run across (pun intended) are shocked, surprised, curious, etc., as to why I continue to push myself. I mean, while more and more people my age are more active, it seems that society as a whole, thinks I should be getting ready for retirement. They wonder how much longer I can continue to run 30+ miles a week; or how I can commute by bike, or do 100 mile bike rides. And they want to know why I would want to put myself and body through this "punishment."
I usually explain how that 6 years ago I was a lazy, out of shape man of 46. How I had relegated myself to growing old and fat, yada, yada, yada. They are happy for me and the weight loss and rejuvenation in my life, but they still wonder why I continue on the path I have chosen. After all you I already reached my goal of losing weight, so what do I have to prove?
When I first started down this path, I was out to prove to myself that I could at least do things like run a marathon, ride a bike for long distances, do triathlons, etc. But as time progressed, I realized that I actually enjoy doing these things. Maybe it is the adrenaline rush I get, or the solitude I experience on a long run or ride, or perhaps it is a way for me to snub my nose at father time. Whatever... but I no longer need to prove anything to myself (or to others.)
2010 is going to be a year in which I don't push myself to finish a marathon in less than 3 and 1/2 hours. Instead, I will just enjoy the run and let the cards fall where they may. Same goes for the other athletic events I do. I am still motivated, but the motivation is different now. Yes I am going to probably do some extreme events, like the Warrior Dash in May. Why, because it sounds like fun, nothing to prove, just to have fun.
Age for me has become a number, nothing more. It is something that society has tacked on, I think, to make one feel older and perhaps to "settle down" as the number gets higher. I can understand why people think this way, I mean, it is hard to imagine my father at 53 doing any of this. And I am sure this is true for most of you. But like all things, change happens!!
So anyway, thought I would share this with all of you. It’s never too late to seek adventure and excitement. They both come in all shapes and forms. We have only to be open. Age is irrelevant; it’s attitude that matters.
Still More!! - Most of you know that I commute by bike. Well it seems that BATMA and the Clean Air Campaign have figured out how my cycling to work is saving the environment (and my wallet.) Here is the screen shot of the report concerning my commuting the past 5 years...
At 52, going on 53 this June, most people I run across (pun intended) are shocked, surprised, curious, etc., as to why I continue to push myself. I mean, while more and more people my age are more active, it seems that society as a whole, thinks I should be getting ready for retirement. They wonder how much longer I can continue to run 30+ miles a week; or how I can commute by bike, or do 100 mile bike rides. And they want to know why I would want to put myself and body through this "punishment."
I usually explain how that 6 years ago I was a lazy, out of shape man of 46. How I had relegated myself to growing old and fat, yada, yada, yada. They are happy for me and the weight loss and rejuvenation in my life, but they still wonder why I continue on the path I have chosen. After all you I already reached my goal of losing weight, so what do I have to prove?
When I first started down this path, I was out to prove to myself that I could at least do things like run a marathon, ride a bike for long distances, do triathlons, etc. But as time progressed, I realized that I actually enjoy doing these things. Maybe it is the adrenaline rush I get, or the solitude I experience on a long run or ride, or perhaps it is a way for me to snub my nose at father time. Whatever... but I no longer need to prove anything to myself (or to others.)
2010 is going to be a year in which I don't push myself to finish a marathon in less than 3 and 1/2 hours. Instead, I will just enjoy the run and let the cards fall where they may. Same goes for the other athletic events I do. I am still motivated, but the motivation is different now. Yes I am going to probably do some extreme events, like the Warrior Dash in May. Why, because it sounds like fun, nothing to prove, just to have fun.
Age for me has become a number, nothing more. It is something that society has tacked on, I think, to make one feel older and perhaps to "settle down" as the number gets higher. I can understand why people think this way, I mean, it is hard to imagine my father at 53 doing any of this. And I am sure this is true for most of you. But like all things, change happens!!
So anyway, thought I would share this with all of you. It’s never too late to seek adventure and excitement. They both come in all shapes and forms. We have only to be open. Age is irrelevant; it’s attitude that matters.
"Imma do the things that I wanna do
I ain't got a thing to prove to you
I'll eat my candy with the pork and beans
Excuse my manners if I make a scene
I ain't gonna wear the clothes that you like
I'm fine and dandy with the me inside
One look in the mirror and I'm tickled pink
I don't give a hoot about what you think"
I ain't got a thing to prove to you
I'll eat my candy with the pork and beans
Excuse my manners if I make a scene
I ain't gonna wear the clothes that you like
I'm fine and dandy with the me inside
One look in the mirror and I'm tickled pink
I don't give a hoot about what you think"
Still More!! - Most of you know that I commute by bike. Well it seems that BATMA and the Clean Air Campaign have figured out how my cycling to work is saving the environment (and my wallet.) Here is the screen shot of the report concerning my commuting the past 5 years...
Posted by John Tackett. Posted In : Ramblings
Self described computer geek, who works as a data analyst for a large multinational telecommunication company that has a death star like logo. When I am not at work, I can be found, running or cycling the streets of the Atlanta area. Sometimes I can be spotted at the Georgia Aquarium where I am a volunteer. And for one week out of the year, I am found at Dragon*Con, where I am the Director of Charity Events.
I believe that PC stands for "personal computer" and not "politically correct" so sometimes I can say things that others don't agree with. I am an advocate for bicycling and strongly believe that the political powers in ATL are anti-bike and could not pedal their way out of a paper bag.
I live with my wife in a community just south of Atlanta (but the City name starts with East, go figure) with my 2 dogs, Tiffie and QT, where the dogs and I plot the takeover of the Atlanta road infrastructure freeing it to pedestrians, runner, cyclists and dogs (on leashes of course.)
And the dogs wanted me to say.. "woof, woof, bark, growl -stop for a butt sniff - woof" Apparently their dog friends will know what that means.
