Well, here we are less then one month away from the Bluenose. Last Sunday we did a 29K run, the time on it was actually faster then the last time we did a 29K run. So far I am still on track for the full marathon.

Through I have been questioning myself lately on why am I putting myself through the training. Let’s face it, running 29K hurts. Two minutes after finishing the run my legs are stiff. Muscles are complaining as they have been pounded into submission. My energy level for the rest of the day is that of a sloth.

Then yesterday, my daughter posted her High school grad pictures from 2004. It was a shock to see how fat I was. I never perceived myself as fat at that time. Yes I knew I was big, but being that fat. It was a good reminder of why I do what I do.

It’s good to be reminded that only two years ago I was over 300lbs. and could not even walk around the block. It’s a wonder that I did not have a heart attack, I was luck. The diabetes diagnosis was a kick in the pants.

I don’t think we give enough kicks in the pants to people. In Zellar’s the other day, I was at the check out. Saw a woman (overweight) with her 3 kids all overweight, double chinned and big bellies. In her cart were at least 7 cases of Pepsi. Bags of chips and candy, I looked over to Aingeal and said, “I wanted to go over and tell her she was killing her kids”. Of course I would be told to mind my own business.

If we want a more healthy society we are going to have to start calling people what they are. I am sorry but FAT IS FAT, not big boned, or “he’s a husky child”. These kids are fat, a lot of them live in homes where the parents are FAT. They eat junk and crap there is nobody to teach them good eating habits.

I am not saying these parents are bad people, but they need to be educated. Maybe we should put health awareness workers at checkouts. Can you imagine the Cashier at Zellar’s telling the customer, I am sorry you are fat I cannot allow you to have the regular Pepsi, but we do have Diet Pepsi if you wish to buy pop.

Or I am sorry sir you are fat, please return the box of chocolates before I can process you through the check out. How about a nice bag of apples, I can see that going over well with consumers.

Should we start denying healthcare on the basis of survivability? I mean why should a doctor waste time on someone who refuses to take care of themselves. Run healthcare like a business, where’s the return on the investment on a person if they refuse to maximize there health and minimize the risks of health care problems by healthy living.

Maybe we should start giving some health care dollars back to people so they can afford to eat better. Eating healthy is expensive. So maybe we need to invest money into food growers so they can provide cheaper produce and meats to consumers. Not to say we should not have junk food. But how about a health care tax on McDonalds meals, or maybe on every box of Kraft Dinner sold. That certainly would raise awareness.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Harry