As a teenage boy in the 1960’s, I knew and appreciated the number associated with the following formula, 0 to 60 mph. Your status and value as a human being in that car-centric culture depended on it. Unfortunately, by flathead ’53 Ford with a three-speed manual trans did not really allow me much status or value. Even with the addition of a slapstick on the floor, I could not compete with Jim’s ’68 GTO or even my best friend’s Barracuda. It seemed that my best time could not measure up to those in the 10 second range. 0 to 60 mph is a good measurement for teenager’s cars. However, it is not so good as an analogy for taking care of our body when Spring finally arrives.
When Spring comes we are eager to get outside and enjoy the warmth and sunshine. Some are eager to get started on that tan or “beach body.” For others, they cannot wait to get the flower beds and garden cleared of weeds and prepare the ground for a new crop or planting. Many folks have grown weary of being inside and the “couch potato” existence of the last few months. They hit the trails on foot and on bikes to stretch out and exercise bored muscles. When these activities are guided by a teenager’s “0 – 60” mentality, bad things can happen.
A friend of mine in High School received a brand-new Corvette during his senior year. It was clearly the coolest and most impressive car in the parking lot. He was the envy of every teen in the school. Unfortunately, he did not have his “Yellow Rocket” for very long. In an attempt to prove his status and value, he put it in a ditch after reaching 60 mph on a gravel backroad. He was not physically hurt, but is ego took a real pounding. He did not take the time he needed to adjust to his new ride. He had neither the reflexes nor the skills to handle that beast. He was unprepared to push the limits.
In a similar way, we need to take the time to prepare our body for the coming of Spring. We may want to do a few muscle-stretches before venturing into the yard. We may want to rely on a fairly high SPF cream before challenging the Springtime sun. We may want to adjust our expectations and goals before striking out on that first 10-mile trail or 50-mile bike ride.
0 – 60 is very tempting. But with a little self-awareness and a solid dose of reality checking, we will be able to find our way into a number we can enjoy. But for the first month or so, a little wisdom will help you reach the “10 second” goal much quicker. It will help you avoid finding yourself in a “ditch.”
When Spring comes we are eager to get outside and enjoy the warmth and sunshine. Some are eager to get started on that tan or “beach body.” For others, they cannot wait to get the flower beds and garden cleared of weeds and prepare the ground for a new crop or planting. Many folks have grown weary of being inside and the “couch potato” existence of the last few months. They hit the trails on foot and on bikes to stretch out and exercise bored muscles. When these activities are guided by a teenager’s “0 – 60” mentality, bad things can happen.
A friend of mine in High School received a brand-new Corvette during his senior year. It was clearly the coolest and most impressive car in the parking lot. He was the envy of every teen in the school. Unfortunately, he did not have his “Yellow Rocket” for very long. In an attempt to prove his status and value, he put it in a ditch after reaching 60 mph on a gravel backroad. He was not physically hurt, but is ego took a real pounding. He did not take the time he needed to adjust to his new ride. He had neither the reflexes nor the skills to handle that beast. He was unprepared to push the limits.
In a similar way, we need to take the time to prepare our body for the coming of Spring. We may want to do a few muscle-stretches before venturing into the yard. We may want to rely on a fairly high SPF cream before challenging the Springtime sun. We may want to adjust our expectations and goals before striking out on that first 10-mile trail or 50-mile bike ride.
0 – 60 is very tempting. But with a little self-awareness and a solid dose of reality checking, we will be able to find our way into a number we can enjoy. But for the first month or so, a little wisdom will help you reach the “10 second” goal much quicker. It will help you avoid finding yourself in a “ditch.”
TIPS
Warming Up – Take the time to stretch winter-tightened muscles and loosen those still winter-bound joints. Stretch just to the point of discomfort but short of pain. Muscles and joints pushed deep into pain tend to overreact. Allow them to warm with the temperature.
Setting Realistic Goals – Give yourself plenty of time to get through your Springtime activities. Avoid full-timing your Springtime lifestyle. Over goal-setting steals away the joy of Spring.
Play and Work Smart – Brute force is not the only way to get into the Spring of life. Use the wheelbarrow rather than trying to carry that pile of brush. Get help for those two-person jobs. Hydrate yourself frequently.
Enjoy the Season – Above all, enjoy the season. It is a time of new life. Engage and celebrate all that is growing and blooming around you. Allow it to create the energy to motivate you to get out and enjoy the day.
Setting Realistic Goals – Give yourself plenty of time to get through your Springtime activities. Avoid full-timing your Springtime lifestyle. Over goal-setting steals away the joy of Spring.
Play and Work Smart – Brute force is not the only way to get into the Spring of life. Use the wheelbarrow rather than trying to carry that pile of brush. Get help for those two-person jobs. Hydrate yourself frequently.
Enjoy the Season – Above all, enjoy the season. It is a time of new life. Engage and celebrate all that is growing and blooming around you. Allow it to create the energy to motivate you to get out and enjoy the day.
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