The health choices I made in my forties that I’m proud of.

This story might have a hint of narcissism, but I feel great about the shape I’m in as I approach the halfway point of my fifth decade. Ultimately, extending my lifespan — or, more accurately, my health span — is probably my biggest goal.

While I don’t have a fraction of the resources of Bryan Johnson, who’s attempting to “reverse aging,” I believe I’m in a good place. Most importantly, I’m continuing to work on myself, correcting bad habits, and adopting better ones.

I will try not to make this story about running, but there is no escaping the origin of my journey: during COVID, I started running consistently and never stopped. Running every day became my life’s most unbreakable habit. Running is a mindset, a lifestyle. When I can’t run — say, if I’m injured — I still find a way to stay active and exercise. A couple of weeks ago, I had my first surgery — a repair for a small hernia. The day after my surgery, I walked — very slowly, of course — a couple of miles. By the end of the first week after the surgery, I was walking four to five miles every evening.

So here:

• Never a day without being active. I’m fortunate in that I love running — it’s never a chore. But, as I mentioned, if it’s not running, it’s something else — walking, hiking, biking in the gym, or swimming. I usually try to get an hour of activity that elevates my heart rate. I do not miss a day of exercise. Ever.
• This story is not about getting…