Fighting the "dragon"

Before dinner tonight I spent 1 1/2 hours at our clubhouse lifting weights, race walking on the treadmill, and biking on a stationary bike. Why so much exercise? As I stated in my last blog exercise is one way of combating Parkinson's Disease. The brain seems to produce more dopamine during "sweat induced" exercise. What is that exercise? It is riding the bike at an average of 90 RPM or swimming long enough to be so winded you can't talk. This is new to me because honestly I prefer more of a casual pace. I have never been one to actually push myself hard. I remember when Jacob was swimming competitively he said he would swim so long and hard he'd have to get out of the pool and vomit in a bucket then jump back in the pool and continue his workout. Never could I quite understand that effort until now. I think it has something to do with the goal. His was to be ready to perform well at college swim meets. Mine now is to beat the "dragon" of Parkinson's Disease or at least to slow him down in his effort to cripple me. I realize in the end he will win, since this disease is not curable and will ultimately play a major role in my demise. But although he will get my body he will not destroy my spirit!

I want to say like Paul did in 2 Timothy 4:7-8:
"I have fought the good flight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me-the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing."

So each time I go to the club and get into a zone of hard exercise I imagine I am "fighting my dragon", which keeps me motivated. We all have dragons in our lives. Identify yours and fight for all its worth! With God's help we can finish well!