In a few weeks I will turn 40. The way human body deteriorates is not linear. It is not like every year it gets a bit weaker and then you get frail by the age of 70 or 80. It is kind of exponential. After 40, if you don’t take care of your body, it tanks rapidly.

But I am not too worried. I am eating right. I continue to have many hobbies and I have huge cognitive and cardio reserve. But as a long distance runner for over 20 years, my body can’t add weight. The biggest worry in ageing is sarcopenia. And so you need to add muscle mass and bone density during your 40s to 60s. And this can be done by lifting weights.

Only issue is, you have conditioned your body for 20 years to be a lean running machine, it will just not add muscle mass. How much ever you feed, that machine will just burn it all off. Also in the oft chance I do put weight, I will feel it while running. And overcomming that psychological shock of slowing down is also tricky.

But apart from that depressing thought, I am looking forward to the rest of the year.

I have a specific plan:

  1. Learn the Piano. Unlike the guitar, the Piano requires you to use both hands independently. This is superb for the brain
  2. Do the Jeju Trifecta challenge - Run the 437km Olle Trail, Bike the 234km Jeju Fantasy Bike Path and finally Kayak 253km circumnavgating Jeju
  3. Run at least one marathon
  4. Finish at least one level of KIIP - Korea Immigration and Integration Program

That is pretty much it. I don’t want to complicate it a lot.