A second wind in life?

We talk a lot about “second wind” in athletic terms, when our bodies under stress change fuel sources. It just works like this: Our muscles store a small amount of glucose that they use to do their work. Consuming it produces water, CO2, and small amounts of lactic acid (the stuff that makes our muscles sore after a workout). 

When we run out of glucose, our body begins moving other sugars into its muscle cells to replace it and recreate the same chemical reaction. Finally, when none of these sugars are left in our bloodstream, our body will turn to stored energy, like our own fat also known as lipids. 

Lipids are very high in energy concentration, but aren’t easy to break down, thus producing more lactic acid. So if we’re running, and we first easily cover a mile or two, as we get tired and push through, we can get our “second wind” on the next miles as we’re now burning a more concentrated and powerful fuel. And also why we feel terribly sore the next day.

All this to introduce the idea of getting a similar “second wind” in our adult lives, as we grow older. Of course, this would be a metaphor of sorts to see if a rebound in activity, creativity, production or any positive turn for the better is still possible as we age. Is that an unreasonable myth or can it actually happen? 

If you’re a tiny bit patient and curious enough, we’ll discuss this tomorrow! (to be continued...)