Getting ready ...

Getting ready for my son's high school graduation has been a time of joyful preparation. We've had family visit to bring in an extra table and chairs. Cookies have been made and decorated in school colors. Several neighbors are combining our parties so that we can share in the festivities, turn the gathering into a block party, and enjoy some catered BBQ versus having to do all the cook'n ourselves.

There's a ton of excitement in the house. Commencement means 'a new beginning' and we all are getting ready for that next stage in our collective lives.

I'm beginning to think that the process of 'getting ready' and then 'enjoying the moment' are both a part of the so-called 'circle of life.' During each 12-week BFL challenge, goals are set, a workout schedule prepared, the work is done, and there's a celebration around the achievement of the period. Then comes a time for recovery and a new cycle of getting ready for whatever comes next.

"Shirts" versus "Skins"

There was a time many years ago when the guys in the neighborhood would play a pick-up game of football or basketball. One team would keep on their shirts and the other team would take theirs off. "Shirts" versus "Skins" was the easiest way to designate who's who on a crowded playing field or playground court.

Today, after several successful BFL-challenges, I'm no longer embarrassed to be asked to go bare-chested in public. When I'm mowing the lawn or working in the yard, I take off my shirt. Because now I'm trying to work on a tan for my AFTER photos.

Yeap, I'm living LARGE -- versus size XL or XXL -- and I want to be "SKINS."

It's time to stock up on the sun screen.

Semper Fit 5K Results

On Saturday I ran in the Semper Fit 5K race held at the Quantico Marine Corps Base in Virginia. This was the first such competitive race I'd entered -- VOLUNTARILY -- in over 20 years.

I'd run many a semi-annual 2-mile event for the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). But these races were "involuntary" on my part. In fact, the last voluntary race was early in my career when I signed up to run in the Blackhorse Half-Marathon.

My goals were modest ...

(1) FINISH.
(2) Don't be last.
(3) Finish strong so that if there was a camera still in use by the time I crossed the line, I'd at least look good.

Well, the official results are now posted on the Quantico Semper Fit website. In the MALE AGE GROUP 45-49, I placed number 13 out of 17 runners. I finished 120 out of 200 in the overall standings. I finished the 5K course in 27:01 with a pace of 8:42 per mile.

The amazing thing about all of this ... I felt great when I finished! My entire training program consisted of doing the BFL "20-minute aerobic solution" on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and most Saturdays -- nothing more, nothing less. Now I can say once again, "BFL Rocks!"

[Note to self: I think I'll use the Semper Fit 5K -- or another 5K race -- as an annual test of my fitness.]

I don't think I'll be breaking any land-speed records or becoming any sort of triathlete anytime soon. But I'm honestly looking forward to the next time I hear, "Ready ... Go!"

PS: A special thanks goes to Ken Young, 2004 BFL Champion & friend. The idea to enter this race came from you, "Mr. inTENsity."

Do every day what should be done.

"Know what you want to do, hold the thought firmly, and do every day what should be done, and every sunset will see you that much nearer the goal."
-- Elbert Hubbard (1858-1915)
Americn Author and Publisher

Sometimes one finds an author with whom up to this point in time you're totally unfamiliar.

Elbert Hubbard is such an author. And today I've decided to share his words and insights.

So here are the closing few lines from Elbert Hubbard's famous personal "Credo":

I believe that no one can harm you but yourself.
I believe in my own divinity - and yours.
I believe that we are all sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be.
I believe the only way we can reach the Kingdom of Heaven is to have the Kingdom of Heaven in our hearts.
I believe in every man minding his own business.
I believe in sunshine, fresh air, friendship, calm sleep, beautiful thoughts.
I believe in the paradox of success through failure.
I believe in the purifying process of sorrow, and I believe that death is a manifestation of life.
I believe the Universe is planned for good.
I believe it is possible that I shall make other creeds, and change this one, or add to it, from time to time, as new light may come to me.


... A rather optimistic personal philosophy, yes?

I'd like to thank anyone and everyone who offered up a prayer for my brother's speedy recovery. He is now at home and has a month to six weeks of physical and speech therapy to work thru.

Believe in the power of pray.
Believe in your power to make a successful transformation for the better.

BFL rocks!
John Lesko
C10D37

Never quit trying.

"You never really lose till you quit trying."
-- Mike Ditka
Hall of Fame Player & Coach of 'Da Bears'

I learned just yesterday that my younger brother, George, suffered a minor stroke. He's 46 years old. This has affected his speech as well as a slight loss in strength in his right arm. The prognosis is good. And althought tests and lab work still are being done, he's likely to enjoy a complete recovery in about six weeks.

Mothers' Day 2005 was quite hectic to say the least.

So what does this have to do with Mike Ditka?

Well, George, is the athletic one in our family. He sort of reminds me of Mike Ditka. He's never quit at anything.

He's enjoyed good health and has participated in sports in school and thru-out his military career. But then he retired after 23+ years of uniformed service. He took on a sales job with a tire company and spends a lot of time on-the-road and eating at fast food joints.

It might be time to send him a copy of Body for Life .

John Lesko

C10D36

PS: There's no need to send me all sorts of e-mail. Rather, pause a moment and say a prayer for my brother's speedy recovery. I know that all prayers are heard. Thanks in advance.

Four Dozen Years Young and Feeling Great!

"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive--to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love."

- Marcus Aurelius (121-180 AD)
Roman Emperor and Philosopher

Yesterday was my 48th birthday. I was up and about early. Went to the aikido dojo ... Back by mid-day to do some yard work ... Mowwed the lawn, trimmed the flower beds, spread some insecticide, swept some sand over the new patio to fill in the cracks which formed after the last few days of rain ... Maintenance stuff mostly.

Enjoyed a wonderful family-style meal of grilled steak and potatos, green veggies, salad, and a bottle of pinot noir wine. And there were family, friends, and neighbors over for birthday cake and ice cream. (Yeap, it was a BFL FREE DAY.)

Marcus Aurelius' thoughts on the precious privilege it is to be alive continued thru-out the day.