Published by JPLand on 01 Feb 2008 at 10:43 am
Embracing the Truth
One of my favorite singers, Justin McRoberts, has a song that starts “I feel the wear in my knees from the weight of time…” And then the song goes on to say other things, which I’m sure are very important, but my brain has been stuck on that line for about the past 4 years. That’s because about that time ago I started really having some trouble with my knees. After ignoring my wife’s advice for 6 months, I went to the doctor and was told that I have arthritis in my knees. (I’m 28 now, so that means I must have been about 26 then…right?). I was pretty sure that my doctor was mistaken. I am a young buck in the prime of my life….but sure enough, the signs were all there.
I, being inquisitive and all, decided to find out what was actually going on in my knees, how it could have happened, and all that stuff. Basically, I’ve worn out some of the cartilage between a few bones. But I’m so young, how could this have happened? And then it hit me…My high school coaches are to blame. I was fortunate(?) enough to go to a small school where I played football and ran track. And every day I was told to run, run, run, and then run some more. And of course, I always had to run a little extra for disciplinary purposes, but those were always well worth it. But basically, I was such an athlete in high school that I wore out my knees. (See, that’s why I didn’t go on to play football in college or the pros…I was just too good too early.)
At any rate, there is a moral for this story that I think each of you should know. Exercise is nothing but trouble. That’s right. Professional athletes are all the time breaking bones, tearing ligaments, or fracturing pinky toes. I’ve never heard of a librarian spraining an eyeball from reading too hard. How many times have you torn your ACL by sitting in a Lay-Z-Boy watching American Gladiators? Me either. So statistically speaking, you’re much safer being lazy and doing nothing.
So pass me some of those chips and a frosty beverage while I sit here and try not to get arthritis in any of my other joints. In fact, it might help my elbows out if you could just put those chips directly into my mouth for me.
Special Nerd Link Information - Clicking on Justin’s picture will open a demo player where you can listen to samples of his songs. The song referenced above is titled “Ready When You Are” and is track 3 on the “Father” CD. I recommend the album “Intersections” and “Untitled EP” with a warm cup of coffee, a nice fire in the fireplace, and a plate of nachos. It’s very cozy.
CaityKurish.com » Blog Archive » The Runner on 03 Feb 2008 at 11:48 pm #
[...] is a reason why I never pushed myself to the extreme. It is because I might get an early case of arthritis! Post a [...]
Jonathan on 12 Feb 2008 at 8:39 pm #
I feel your pain, brother. I have the distinct pleasure of having arthritis in my knees, ankles, and hands. My friends in Boston would say that it’s a wicked pissa! The funny thing is that it will only get worse as I get older. Oh, to be old. Look at it this way. At least you still have hair!
JPLand on 12 Feb 2008 at 9:04 pm #
This is true. Unfortunately, I don’t have good hair. Like Mitt Romney or Ryan Seacrest hair…that’s the kind I need. I have what my barber refers to as “spaghetti noodle” hair. Because it flops around and looks much more appealing when covered with something.
Jonathan on 14 Feb 2008 at 7:47 pm #
Well, I guess you can go get a case of “product” and spackle it onto your head. That would probably give you Romney “helmet head” look. Or you could just get a carton of axle grease and lube your head then just stick your hair up at odd angles. That will give the Seacrest look. In that case, I think I’ll take my look any day. I have come to like low maintenance.
Shallow Thinker » My Young Self - Part 5 on 29 Feb 2008 at 8:18 am #
[...] But there was one sport in which I could compete. This is what got me hooked on the concept of running for no reason at all. And since I can’t play football, I’ll continue to run…until arthritis takes that from me. [...]