Iron None

 
When I was young I could run a six minute mile
As the years progressed that turned into nine
Now I barely make a twelve as I break a sweat
With the eerie feeling like I’m running out of time

When I was young I could swim laps like a fish
Glide through the water with ease and (free)style
Nowadays my beer belly seems to get in the way
My sixpack turned into a keg and a lap takes a while

When I was young I could ride my bicycle for hours
I toured the city going into different neighborhoods
My legs burned but my heart yearned for adventure
Now ten minutes on the stationary bike is just as good

On my 39th birthday I made a promise to myself
I’d train for a triathlon for a year or at least try
(The Olympic one of course, not the iron one)
And to begin I’d run ten miles before sunrise

Little did I know that my body wasn’t ready
A pull here, a crack there, setbacks everywhere
The years passed and the goal got delayed more
Time slipped away without any pomp or fanfare

Then one day watching the World Iron Man Triathlon
I saw an 86 year old nun completing her forty-fifth
I said to myself “if she can do it, what’s my excuse?”
As I sat on the couch having some beer and chips

Now at forty-nine I'm slow but I take my time
My five mile runs are nowhere near the Iron Nun
I guess I have a new outlook with a steady pace
So before the sun comes up I get them done