Running for Your Life: Balance Beam

When it comes to still running for your life, as in the past 40-plus years, the idea of balance is one of the first things that comes to mind.

Balance in all things. What my father-in-law, who lived in a healthy fashion for more than century, and worked the room like a Hollywood A-lister during his posh 100th birthday party, called everything in moderation.

That’s not to say boring. Lots of folks will equate balance with boredom. Fatal mistake. Well, maybe not fatal, but you get my drift.

Balance in food and nutrition. Stay away from white sugar, if you are doing high-energy exercise, be sure to keep up your carbs. Have a few drinks, sure, but don't overindulge, make it a habit. Eat and drink smart.

When it comes to the exercise itself, vary your runs. Don’t always do the same 5 kilometer route, spare the treadmill in fine weather, choose a hill instead of a straightaway if you feel that you aren’t pushing yourself enough.

I like to think of it in terms of the balance beam. Not the gymnastics apparatus, but the light that shines on that message. That in all things in life – love, friendship, work, writing, painting, running, whatever your passion – follow the light of the balance beam.

Next: Running for Your Life: More Attack, Please !