1. Cool thing I learned about this week…
There is a tree, called the rainbow tree, a.k.a. rainbow eucalyptus (Eucalyptus deglupta), that will amaze you. I’m not sure how I’ve never seen it before, or heard of it, but you have to see it to believe it. I’m posting a pic of one below, but you could also click here to read a little more about it and see more pics. (And thanks, Sandy P., for telling me about it!)
2. Word you should know…
Sarcopenia is defined as an age-related, involuntary loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. Starting around 40 years old, muscle mass and strength start to decline. Maintaining muscle mass is CRITICAL for healthy aging. I commented on this recently, but it’s worth mentioning again. You MUST do resistance training… i.e., LIFT WEIGHTS. There is evidence that resistance training actually changes the size and structure of the brain (among countless other incredible benefits). I’ll be posting a blog soon on the long list of amazing benefits of lifting weights. Simply put… if there were a pill that did what lifting weight does, it would be on the cover of every magazine, on every news show, and would be hailed as the greatest drug of all time. (Go on… get lifting!)
3. Cause I am supporting…
A good friend of mine set out last year to complete an Ironman. His body would not let him finish. After completing the 2.4-mile swim, the 112-mile bike, and 19 miles of the 26.2 mile run, he had to stop. As you can imagine, after a full year of training, and completing so much of that race, having to quit was devastating. But… as I, and anyone who knows Matt McClone, could immediately predict, he committed to competing in another Ironman this year. He has been training the entire year and will compete on September 11th. Please read his full story here, as it paints a detailed picture of how grueling this event can be. And if you’re considering competing in an Ironman one day, his story should eliminate ANY desire to try (Haha!). There is one aspect of this story that is especially grabbing. His long-time buddy, JJ Schuster, the one who planted the seed to even consider doing an Ironman, successfully completed that race. Tragically, JJ’s teenage son took his own life a couple of weeks after that race. My heart broke reading that. He was only 14 years old. Well, Matt, being the friend and man that he is, is dedicating this race to JJ and his family. He is also trying to raise funds to donate to the Ethan Schuster Memorial Fund for Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. If nothing else, read Matt’s account of his Ironman attempt. And if you feel compelled, join me in donating to the fund. Good luck, Matt! And thoughts and prayers to the Schuster family.
