Yesterday was a gorgeous summer day even if the thermometer had begun inching upward. I am aware that summer has not officially begun, but down our way summer usually lasts far longer than the calendar suggests.

I donned my shorts and tank top and grabbed my shades.

I know I’d better arrive at the walking track early if I want to beat the heat, I thought, as I grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge in the garage.

Soon, I arrived at the track where I saw several familiar faces that I hadn’t seen in a while. After good mornings and a hug or two I set out for my walk. Each time I try to step up my pace just a little, but I finally resigned myself to nod and smile good naturedly as even the oldest folks passed me.

Getting back in shape after my hip replacement has been a work in progress, but I’m determined to keep moving forward and build up my stamina and flexibility. It has been a little tough on my natural competitive nature to realize that everyone at the track was faster than I.

There is absolutely no room for pride at the bottom of the pack so to speak, and I’ve tried very hard to embrace the life lessons on the way back to physical fitness. I have never been a person to ask for help, but this experience has taught me to simply ask for what I need.

A recent encounter at Walmart put me in a situation. I needed to get a case of water, but my buggy was almost full. It would have to go on the bottom of my cart which could present a little problem. In the past, I would have manhandled the case of water even if I hurt for days afterward. On this day I asked a young man walking by if he could assist me. He graciously stopped and loaded my buggy with a friendly smile. This young man was so helpful and kind that I only inwardly winced a little at needing assistance.

Yes, I’m making progress physically, but also spiritually, I think. I began walking the track with a walker so I’ve sort of gotten used to the steady stream of runners, joggers, and even casual strollers passing me by.

I had no reason to think that yesterday would be any different, but I soon noticed something unusual. As I steadily moved around the track I realized that, could it be, I was actually gaining on the walker ahead of me! My track running days came back to me as I put in in high gear. Soon he was in my rear view mirror! Eat my dust! Get ready ‘cause here I come!

Oops! Sorry I got a little carried away. Old habits die hard!

Jan Penton Miller can be reached at lilsisjan@yahoo.com.