Running for government or for fitness?

It's tough to fit everything in isn't it? Work, running, home and social life all have to be balanced and given a fair crack of the whip. At least with running as our chosen sport we have more chance than others as all we have to do is put on our running shoes and head out of the door. We don't actually have to travel anywhere first. So we are told between 30 and 60 minutes per day is optimal for a healthy lifestyle and to stay slim. What if your ambitions are greater than this? What if you are training for an ironman competition, that is a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and then a marathon. How would you fit in the training and everything else in life? Tony Abbott, Australian Federal opposition leader took part in an ironman competition this weekend. He manages to train for this event and head up the opposition party too. The poor guy has been given a fair amount of stick for it but surely he should be applauded for setting a great example to the rest of the country.

The benefits of exercise are well known and should be championed in the work place after all exercise boosts energy levels, helps you think more clearly, sleep better and reduces the chance of you becoming ill and having to take time off work. If you look at the opposite side of the coin: long work hours make you less productive and more likely to suffer with illness. It seems there is a choice here: we can take longer to get things done because we are less fit or we can spend time keeping fit and therefore be able to work more quickly. So surely Abbott is a role model for the people of Australia as he sets an example by saving tax payers money on health care. To be criticised for this in today's society where governments are concerned over these huge costs and the growing problem of obesity seems completely absurd. Next month he is due to take part in a nine day bike ride from Melbourne to Sydney with the aim of raising money for indigenous health. Well he certainly gets the thumbs up from me and I'll look out for news on how it's going "down under".