To All Those Who Think it's too Late to Lose Weight: Allow Me to Interject...

I was thinking about getting tickets to see the world's greatest band, RUSH, for their November show in San Jose, CA, when the idea for this blog struck me. You see, I've been to 5 of their concerts since 1992 with the last 2 in 2010 and 2011. In 20 years (wow, it's been that long?) not only have the shows changed, but my physical energy and endurance before, during, and after them have changed dramatically!

The concert in 2004 was at the Concord Pavilion. My best buddy joined me as we happily drove up to the venue and parked in the gravel lot. Just getting out of the car was the first physical challenge. I was so large at that time that when I drove, my belly crowded the steering wheel. Every time I got out of the car, it was as if my car was giving birth to me. How did I ever put up with that experience thousands of times?

As we traversed the parking lots and climbed the rise up to the admission gates (oh yeah, there's the little matter of turnstiles, lotsa fun, eh?), I huffed and puffed and started to sweat. We even had to stop and take a break a little more than halfway there. It seemed like we were crossing the state just to get from the car to our seats. I was so slow we missed the opening song which galled me to no end. My friend was very patient with me. Then there was the little matter of my seat. The whole show I had to wedge myself in sideways or sit on the edge of the seat which was no fun for my back and legs. It was a fantastic show, but I could never be comfortable.

Well, 2011 was very very different! Once again they played at the Concord (now called Sleep Train) Pavilion. I parked in the same lot, crossed the same route as in '04, waited in a long, long line to buy a tour shirt, and went to my very comfortable seat which had plenty of room for the new me. I was so dynamic that just as my less than half of what it used to be butt hit the seat, the lights went down and the show began!! I felt like I was magically charmed and electrically charged!

By the way, this time that walk from my car to the front gate was a breeze. Not only did I not sweat or take any breaks, I didn't even get winded! Didn't even think about the energy I'd need for the stroll. As a matter of fact, it was all I could do to contain myself and not sprint the last 100 yards or so! And I'm sure my car gets slightly better gas mileage now that it has 300 less pounds to carry around in the driver's seat...

Now this is only one of infinitely many cases of how life is exponentially more enjoyable and positive when the change to a healthier life-style is achieved. I've said many, many times that if anybody who is where I was in the old days could experience how I feel now for 24 hours, they wouldn't hesitate to get started, do the work, and earn the strong, healthy body they deserve to have. 3 little words, DISCIPLINE BRINGS REWARDS!!!

So, getting back to this show in November, tickets aren't too unreasonably priced. Any RUSH fans out there want to go with? Rock on...