Victory

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Victorious! Tim ran his mile in 10:40, sliding under the 11-minute mark to claim his win. There was a bit of debate, the treadmill read 10:40, while his coworker Josh’s official time and his watch both said 10:55—but either way, it was a victory.

The big prize at stake? His coworkers can no longer throw “old man” jokes his way… though we’ll see how long that lasts. Apparently, he’s the token “old guy” at work, surrounded by thirty- and forty-somethings, with just a sprinkling of late twenty-somethings. So at 62 I guess he is the old guy...heck he could be their dad! Had he lost, he would have been buying pizza for everyone, so honestly, he was bound to be happy either way.

Now, will he continue running? Doubtful. When I asked if he’d keep it up, he said one mile isn’t pleasant. Maybe he’ll stick to half-mile workouts, though he quickly pivoted to talking about how much weight he can lift. I sense another challenge around the corner… oh, Tim. At this rate, he may have to start writing his own blog. Between him and the cat, it’s not always easy to squeeze in whatever I’ve got going on.

Then again, most of my days feel a bit like Groundhog Day anyway, cleaning the house, mahjong, and dining out can only be entertaining for so long. I may have to step up my game and take on a challenge or two for myself. 

Tim, on the other hand, is endlessly entertaining. He’s not bogged down by daily chores, household (or yard) duties and always has an interesting (sometimes fantastical) take on his own abilities. I’m sure his coworkers will find new ways to tease him, but at least it won’t be about his age. And truthfully, I’m just as sure he keeps them laughing with his stories and delusions. His workplace wouldn’t be the same without him.

That’s my old man, ( I can still say it) still winning, still entertaining, and probably already gearing up for his next challenge. Maybe I should tell him I doubt he could ever spring clean our yard...

“The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory.” — Les Brown