Oct. 12, 1997

Over a year ago, I took charge of my health. Faced with the news that I had a genetic joint disorder and that the arthritis I had was not so simple, I realized that my life would be pretty grim if I didn't do something drastic. I began by slowly losing weight under my doctor's care. I received proper medication for my condition and avoided activities which exascerbated my problems. But I had no energy, and I struggled through a difficult year with difficult classes on top of it. Still, my health improved. The only problem was exercise. Because of the joint disorder, all normal exercise was out. It would only increase the problems. My doctor kept recommending water activities, but I knew that my life was too busy and my time too precious to go to some pool every day. Besides, who had the energy?

All this changed when I went to Denmark in the summer. I spent 10 wonderful days in the ocean with friends and discovered the benefits of water. It was therapeutic. It was rejuvenating. It was damn good.

When I returned home from 21 days in Europe, I had actually lost 5 more pounds, but more importantly, I felt stronger. I had more "get-up-and-go." But I didn't know how to keep it going. Fortunately, when my friend from Denmark arrived for his 8 month visit in July, the first thing he said was, "I want to join the Athletic Club again." There was a special going on, and if we joined as a family it would be cheaper for both of us, so I took the plunge. Literally.

Now, much to my surprise, I find myself dashing to the club everyday after work to swim a mile. This activity revives rather than tires me, and I am told constantly by my co-workers how much better I look and act this year (having great classes helps, too).

Some might argue that what I do doesn't really fit into the category of swimming. After all, my gasping struggles take an hour to accomplish the deed, plus I wind down for another 30 minutes, but the results are what really count, right? And I definitely have happy endorphins now!