30's a bitch. When I was 18 I sprained a knee badly and it took 6 weeks to get solid again. When I was 35 I sprained the other knee playing ultimate with my 20-something neighbors and it took two years to get solid again. Now at 57, I know that a sprained knee may be with me for the duration. Now I understand why older folks avoid running and are so careful to land on both feet when jumping a ditch or something . . . you really have to take care of yourself because recovery takes so much longer. I did a lot of backpacking as a young man, but now I mostly just do day hikes. That 60-pound pack just puts too much stress on the knees.
I'm 35 and have definitely changed my eating habits. There are times when I'll get a burger from somewhere WITHOUT fries, possibly even with water instead of a coke. That would have short circuited my brain if I tried that 10 years ago. I'm borderline OCD about exercising but fortunately it's something I enjoy doing rather than a chore. I have to ease up at times so that I don't overdo certain things. I'll have to continue paying attention to this fine line as my older body wears down.
I like homemade chips. That is what I grew up on. My paw used to slice em thin with a razor blade and they were so crispy and perfect. Bistro Byronz does them this way. The best is when you get one with a bubble.
I hear ya amigo. There are times when I curse the 20 years I spent in and most of the time I couldn't be more thankful. As bad as I have let myself go I'd bet there are more 43 yo that would trade places with me than not. Years of going up and down mountains with a pack has taken a toll on the knees and back but it has compensated by keeping me lean...er than most provided the beer and slop that I shove down my gullet.
