Here’s another benefit of non-drinking

Oh dear, could I imagine I’d be writing so many of these stories? I’m still not a patronizing “sobriety” author! Live your life however you want. If drinking in moderation makes you happy, fine! For many years, I did that — I enjoyed a few drinks at the end of the day. I don’t think I have any regrets.

I reduced my drinking in the past year and most recently stopped completely, so I’m sharing some takeaways. It feels like a great reset. No, I’ve not suddenly transformed my life and achieved grandiose things. Maybe I will later. It’s a reset. It’s a new journey with more productive daily time and uninterrupted clarity of mind.

This note is, though is not about the mind. It’s about the body.

I’m an avid runner, so I am skinny. It wasn’t always the case. In my late twenties and thirties, I put on a lot of weight. But in 2020, I lost twenty-five pounds — in that “pandemic” year, I started running a lot. I was consistent and ran with variety. I did intervals, for example. I became lighter, and running became easier. My nutrition became healthier (but I kept my evening drinks!). I ran even more. It was a virtuous circle.

Because I’ve stayed super consistent in my running for three years now, I’ve kept my much lower weight. But it’s still an effort. Often I think how much of a challenge it is for other people to avoid weight gain. On average, I run sixty to sixty-five miles a week. Sixty-five, week after week, for three years now! That’s a lot, and I still have to be careful…