Out With the Old

Lately I’ve become aware of a different body hiding underneath the one that I walk around with. This other body feels tightly put together, newborn, strong and humming with energy. I can feel it when I walk down the hall, living just below the surface, emerging to take control from the old body. When I look in the mirror, I don’t usually see the new body. The old one is still here, but looking a bit different these days. I catch a glimpse of muscular definition in the arms, there, and there. No sign of abs. But, if I squint my eyes just a little, I see the powerful outlines of what’s just underneath. When I’m skipping rope, my new body quickly jumps in place, while the old body jiggles and bounces around out of step, like someone who doesn’t know how to dance. I feel sorry for it.

But it has to go. New research has shown that visceral fat in the abdomen is directly associated with a higher risk of mortality in men. People with excess abdominal fat (mostly men) have a higher risk of diabetes and heart disease. Not to mention the stress on your vanity and clothing budget. Bye-bye little buddy. You’ve wrecked enough pants.

I’m well into the Crossfit lifestyle now – about seven weeks. This is about the time I expect to start seeing the beginnings of body changes and a general awareness of improving health. To support this, and the new body, I’ve been changing my eating habits. I have eaten well in the past and now it’s time to start eating clean. More balance in my meals and fewer indulgences. It’s gradual for me and I occasionally need the cheat meal. I used to like Big Macs. Then I watched ‘Supersize Me’. I now associate the taste of them with the bloated, breathless and curiously warm feeling of an insulin spike. Pass. I find myself at the Salad Corral a lot, choosing fruits and vegetables for lunch. I need to learn how to balance these meals. I eat a hard-boiled egg so I get some protein.

I’m surrounded by excellence. I was running last night for rounds of 200 meters. Doing well. This time I didn’t have to walk to catch my breath. I hear feet pounding up behind me – real fast steps. Mia runs past me like a gazelle. No, not like a gazelle. She’s more like a cheetah. Fleet-footed steps and I watch her take off into the distance. It’s inspiring. Jill is running beside me, challenging me to bring my game. I keep running. It’s so great to do this with people who are committed to being excellent.