Why You Need a Paper Route

“I’ve noticed,” Mom said, “ever since you got your paper route, you haven’t been sick.”

Having a paper route in the middle of the last century meant delivering papers to people’s homes seven days aweek, 365 days a year in rain, snow, summer dog days, and excellent weathers. It meant, in my case, exercising hard for 45 minutes up to an hour and a half on snowy Sunday mornings in the dark.

“Where have I heard this before?” you inquire politely.

“That’s right – Younger Next Year and Harry’s rules. Thefirst rule is exercise hard six days a week. Exercising triggers the rebuilding and healing processes in yourbody.”

“But you were just a kid, so you would have been healthy anyhow,” You challenge.

“That’s the point. I was not healthy. I was a sickly kid in some ways. My new standard of health, post paper route,was noticeable because of the massive contrast.”

Since the beginning of the year, eight months now, I have been exercising hard seven days a week -- How’s my health been?

Conclusion – I have been much healthier than my norm. Thatis no colds and flu – more energy and good spirits. I have increased my exercise just enough to get this benefit. Iwas exercising hard already, just not enough to reach thetipping point.

I will see how this plays out in the future.

Here’s a question for you:

On my Sabbatical to Walla Walla, Washington, I noted thatWhitman College has just built a shinny new Fitness Center. What do you make of the name – Fitness Center. What’s themessage they are giving to the students, faculty, alumni,and Walla Walla with that title.

Is Fitness in?