Kicking Sand in One's Face . . .

by Nino Baldino
(Long Island, New York)

I was coming home one night from a movie and saw a local high school football champ and his friend up ahead. I jogged up to them and soon the friend of the 'hero' started pushing me around, calling me names, etc. I was 13 and these guys were seniors. I ran home, shaking … opened up my comic magazine to the page about exercise, Charles Atlas and George Jowett. I took my measurements, started training, and have been doing it ever since that night — over 60 years ago!

I train every day, from 45 min to 1.5 hrs… have a home gym … use free weights and cables … and feel terrific! I have recently been a trainer at the local senior center where they have a well equipped fitness room. I eat what I like but never after 5 p.m. … have a touch of vino … I’m a daddy of seven and granddad of eleven.

I am in heavy training for next year. Next year is always my motivation. The bully that allowed his friend to mug me was honored at a sports affair a few years back. I was going to tell him off, but he looked like a skinny ole goat in his wheelchair, and I just shrugged it off. I really wanted to belt him though! It’s all self-discipline and pride.