6/9/2025

Session: 50-minute walk

Weight: 212lbs post walk

Diet: Water fast 24 hours in

Thirty years ago, I was invited on a six-mile run with a few officers in my squadron. That six-mile run changed the trajectory of my life and interests, and for the next ten years I enjoyed competitive running, working very hard to compete. I took great care of my body during that ten-year span; I was at my physical peak and some of my very fondest memories were packed inside those 10 years. If you would like to read more about my competitive running years while in the Navy, click on the following link: https://castawayblog.com/2022/07/06/the-running-years/

Twenty years ago, I took a boat ride with a few fishermen. That boat ride changed the trajectory of my life and interests, and for the next twenty years I learned everything I could about fishing on Lake Lanier. I really enjoyed competitive fishing during that span and some of my favorite tournament memories came from that twenty-year span. I’ve really enjoyed fishing here in the south, living on Lanier, meeting fishermen and learning so much about fishing here over those twenty years. I’ve always thought about writing a book about my knowledge learned here on Lanier and I’m still working on that. I’ll have more to follow on that.

A week ago, I was visited in a dream by someone from my past very dear to me, and I was left with an epiphany to make another change which brings me to today. For the past week I’ve been in this battle between the status quo and making a change in my life and interests. For the past 15 years I’ve let myself go, being overweight and completely out of shape. In that span both shoulders have been repaired and are shot again, my knees have been replaced, my spine was surgically repaired and among other injuries throw in three hernia patches as well. Needless to say, I’m probably in pretty rough shape but today I laced up my old Asics running shoes and went for a little walk.

The picture above was taken at the Big Creek trail here in Cumming. It’s just a few miles from my house and I’ve spent hours and hours running this trail over the years. During marathon training it was one of my favorite places to make my long runs. The Big Creek trail runs from Cumming down to Alpharetta and beyond. Years ago, I was a member at the YMCA in Alpharetta and the Big Creek trail runs right next to the parking lot there, so I would usually work out at the Y and then run anywhere from 3-15 miles on the trail. It’s also a great walking trail and if you’ve never checked it out, here’s a link to a website that might be helpful: https://www.bigcreekgreenway.com/

It’s been years since I’ve been to the Big Creek trail but this morning I made a visit. My plan was just a mild walk for an hour or so, just to see how the legs felt. I also started another fast this morning and this time it’s just 2 cups of mushroom coffee in the morning and then just water after that throughout the day. On my last fast, I ate some boiled chicken and steamed asparagus from time to time but this time I’m going to just water fast and test my body with less this time. The mushroom coffee is something new and we’ll have to see how that works out. Here’s a pic of the mushroom coffee I use. some of you might recognize it.

The jury is still out on this stuff, but we’ll see how it does over time. Today my walk felt great, and I really enjoyed being on the trail again. At one point during my walk when there was no one around I started running just to feel it again and it felt great! Obviously, I wasn’t moving fast but I was running, not once but three different times and on my third little run, thankfully no one was around, and I was wearing sunglasses because the tears started flowing. The sites, the smells and the people on the trail filled my mind with old memories and I realized how much I missed the trail and running. I know I need to take small steps but barring any setbacks, my goal is to run again by summers end and be able to run down that beautiful trail when the leaves are turning this fall.

Favorite tune from Today.