So I’ve been with Anytime Fitness for a long time. A long time. During this time, I’ve met a lot of people. Some I might could’ve lived without meeting, but there’s a reason for everything. From people coming into my office crying to others coming into my office waving around firearms, I believe I’ve seen it all. Please tell me I’ve seen it all; I can’t stand any more.
James is a retired 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper. He’s much older than he looks and has a sweet, boyish smile. But when he’s not smiling, it’s terrifying. James has the male equivalent of RBF. If you don’t know what this is, Google it. It’s completely worth knowing!
From the first time I met James, in Lawton, Oklahoma, I was overwhelmed by his gentle giant nature. He’s easily 6’3″ and a billion pounds. I imagine him jumping from a helicopter much like a train falling through the sky. A massive train. Hurtling at the ground. I don’t know what holds him together but it’s probably steel. He’ll tell you he’s had more concussions than people have had birthdays. Train. Sky. You get it by now.
As many service members will tell you, the routine is ingrained in you. We’re regimented and controlled. What others see as chaos is, to us, just another day of normalcy. James may not wear a uniform anymore; however, his workouts are daily and deliberate. He lifts weights heavier than me. Like heavier than my whole person.
James didn’t quite encourage my healthy habits. He was notorious for bringing me cookies and never eating a single one. I looked forward to seeing him, but I also rued the days he would come in. I sure ate all those cookies though!
In terms of our friendship, James and I laugh like we’ve known each other our whole lives. We’ve shared crazy stories, laughed at even crazier things, and navigated the transition back to civilian life post-military. It’s friendships like these that remind me I’m where I’m supposed to be. Surrounded by others with the same values…those who believe a healthy body starts with a healthy mind… encourages me to keep trying. On days I don’t feel like putting in the work, it only takes a second to conjure a thought of a ginormous train falling from the sky above to remind me to get my ass in gear. I’d rather be a train than a bug James stomps on.
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I ask you –
Name a friend you’ve known nearly your whole life! Exactly how long is that?
Thoughts on trains falling from the sky?
Remember the movie Operation Dumbo Drop?
Running on Fumes 