Road to Health #9 - Protein

Several years ago I began drinking a blueberry/protein smoothie after every run just because it seemed like the thing to do. Now, after listening to the experts, it sounds like I've done the right thing, especially as an aging runner.

What are the benefits of protein? Here's what they tell me:

1. Aids in recovery. Recovery becomes more and more important as one ages. This is huge.

2. Durability. Protein prevents injuries by strengthening connective tissue and reducing muscle breakdown.

3. Immune health. I do a number of things to support immune health. I almost never get sick anymore. Protein seems to be one of the things keeping me healthy.

Road to Health #8 - Tandem Bike

About 15 years ago, we made one of the smartest purchases of our life - a tandem bike. A tandem bike is a great way for a couple to be active together. We have used almost every day that the weather has allowed since we bought it. We have literally put thousands of miles on it. 

We've also brought it with us when camping at places like Itasca State Park and the Badlands of North Dakota. We even brought it down to Florida a few years ago.

Several years ago we discovered that they make baskets for small dogs that can be attached to the bicycle. This added a whole new dimension to the experience. While Ollie was still living, we would ride to the park together and then walk around the park together. Unlike some exercise equipment that is used for a few days and then set aside, this bike is still being used every day.

Lake Region Run

 

Yesterday was the Lake Region Run in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. What we did this time was arrive at Maplewood State Park, about 40 minutes north of Fergus Falls, on Friday afternoon, camp there overnight in our pop-up trailer, and then head over to the race early in the morning.

It was a beautiful day - maybe a little too beautiful - about 73 degrees and sunny at the start of the race. 

Here we are waiting for the starting gun. I'm back in the middle of the crowd. I didn't want to hinder faster runners by being up front.

The gun went off!

This is a hilly race. Most of the first half of the race is up-hill. I was a little concerned. My time didn't seem very good. Then I started to pick up some speed on the down-hill sections.

It was shortly before this photo, with about 2 minutes left in the race, that I realized I could end up with a pretty good time. That gave me a real boost.

I came in third place with my best time since 2014!

Update to post: I didn't notice until looking at statistics afterward that I just barely got third place. This gentleman, Jeff Legge, was just three seconds behind me! See video here.