Blog Master G

I’ve never been big on formal exercise. I’ve gone through periods of my life where I’d hit the gym (in college) or even took fitness classes (in college), but mostly, I enjoy physical activities over traditional gym-bound exercise. Historically, those things included running, skiing, soccer, football, basketball, and even sailing (I ran track in high school and college, and skied on the ski team in college). Maybe it was growing up as a California kid or maybe I just had more energy when I was younger, but I’m admittedly a hell of a lot lazier now than I used to be.

These days, my physical activity is limited to walking a couple miles a day (requisite for any dog dad), riding my bike around town, and skiing in the winter (though I had a poor showing this season, with only two trips).

I haven’t really done much running in ages. Running for me has always been a love-hate relationship. I was one of those lazy sprinters. In college, our small group of sprinters would drive to the track (Vassar didn’t have its own track, so we’d have to practice at a local high school’s track) and honk merrily at the distance runners as we sped past them. After practice, we’d hop in the car and head back to the campus while they huffed it. Of course, for most of the distance runners, track was an off-season way to stay in shape.

As a kid, my brother, friends, and I spent countless hours in the driveway or at the park shooting hoops. From one-on-one to dunking contests (the driveway hoop was only eight feet) to pick-up games, we couldn’t get enough. We even had a flood light that we’d put outside at night to fuel our passion. Amidst all the basketball games, we also had time for football. I usually played receiver since I was always pretty fast.

In the summers in Sacramento, it was sailing small boats on the lake — lasers and hobbie cats — or swimming, kayaking, or canoeing. There was even a great rope swing we’d frequent. And a cliff to which we’d boat and jump off.

These days, it’s video games, TV, movies, and the Internet. Of course, many of those things (Web aside) were also around when I was a more active kid. Maybe it’s that kids have more time. Or more energy. Or that growing up, my equally active brother was always around to compete against and play with.

Lately, I’ve been trying to be better — getting back into my morning push-up and sit-up routine and walking more. Maybe this summer I’ll get off my ass and do something like hike, run, or shoot hoops. But until then, I have a good life and no complaints, though I’m sure my heart could use some cardiovascular stimulation.