How many days to learn a new habit? I’ve often asked myself that exact question, so many times in fact, that asking myself the question has become a habit. 8 years retired now, at 52 year old, I feel very fortunate to have plenty of time to explore these new habits, hobbies or even refine and learn more about the stuff I have already learned, and maybe create a new habit from this. So far, between my journaling in my notebook, and blogging on here, I have started to use healthy methods to put my thoughts down for later reflection. I think this is going to help to motivate me to do more in my retirement, as I can’t just sit here and watch TV all the time, rather, I need to get active again – one of the goals of this year.
Depending on my ankle surgery next week, I’m going to hopefully start a several new habits. First, I’m going to continue journaling as well as reading for pleasure, two of which I have already started. Next, which is a big ask out of myself, I’ve got an inkling of doing Ironman Kentucky 70.3, on August 15th. That means I need to plan to start swimming, cycling and running again this year. The only iffy issue is my ankle. Providing my ankle heals well, this should not be an issue.
I have a firm belief that anyone can complete a 70.3 distance race with minimum to moderate (to even no) training. I can easily get a few 1.5 mile lake swims in, with my wetsuit, without any issue, and cycling here is the same, where I can start cycling at home on my trainer, while my ankle finishes healing. Afterwards, pending my ankle, I can either train to run or do a run/walk for the 13.1 miles. I honestly, with the surgery, don’t see a run under 2:45, any way about it. Figure a 30 minute swim, 2:30-2:45 bike and a 2:45-2:55 run, for a total around 5:45-6:00. That’s not record breaking on my part, but will be good on my part to get moving again. Lots of stuff has to come together in order for all this to take place. We’ll just have to see.
I do also have to remember the lessons learned from the latest Depeche Mode album, “Mementi Mori” – “Look Behind. Remember thou art mortal. Remember you must die.” Irrespective, whatever I do happen to do I must remember “Primum non nocere” first do no harm. I tend to take thing too far, and end up breaking myself in the process. In whatever I do this year, I need to make sure that I don’t further hurt myself – of which happens to be a hobby of mine… Enough for tonight, I feel as though I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.
