I wrote about my “turning 50” goal. I am going to do a half Iron Man in October, which will be 70.3 total miles: 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run. I also wrote that my plan to reach this goal is a journey, not a competition. I have been very good at slowing down, even taking extra breaks when my body told me “not today,” and so far it has been working well for me.

It’s hard for any competitor or competitive mind to slow down and to listen to your body. On the other end of the spectrum, we have people who continue to lead an unhealthy lifestyle by not being active at all. Too much is not healthy for your body, but not doing enough is also unhealthy. To find that happy medium is a challenge but can be done.

My main goal is to live my life to the best of my ability, to look myself in the mirror and know that I have tried my best to be a good example to others. I want to be a good example not only to my children, family and friends but to this community by leading a healthy lifestyle, showing great work ethics, being positive and respectful, living life to the fullest and not taking anything for granted.

Tim McGraw has an awesome new song titled “Be Humble and Kind.” If you have not heard it, check it out and listen to the words. I hope it lifts your spirit and soul and hopefully helps guide you with setting your goals. Set goals that will last a lifetime and there should not be an end date.

Losing weight is probably the No. 1 goal out there. And in this day and age many people are overweight. With it, many health issues arise, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, joint problems and so on. Health should be your No. 1 priority, the rest will follow.

People mention, “but a membership is so expensive…” or “I don’t have time to…” How about “I just don’t feel good” or “when I lose weight first, then I will start…” You can make the choice to live healthier by exercising and eating better. I hear people talk about their monthly co-pay for medicine — hundreds of dollars spent each month on medicine. I also hear people talk about how they were able to cut those medicines because they started exercising and eating healthier. And of course, the YMCA has the “open door policy” where no one will be turned away due to the inability to pay for a membership.

Exercise has proven to be beneficial to your health. Lots of people can lower, or even cut, certain medications when they start exercising regularly and eating sensibly. And with a proper diet and determination, the weight loss will follow.

If you are 65 or older, check with your supplemental insurance — many now offer full benefits for memberships to our YMCAs and Rufty-Holmes Senior Center. They have figured out that the healthier the individual, the lower their expenses for health care (typically). The YMCA is part of Silver Sneakers and Silver and Fit.

Before you start an exercise program, check with your doctor first if you have health challenges or just to make sure. Even when you are younger and are dealing with health issues, check with your doctor. I have not found one doctor who does not want you to exercise and eat healthy.

For any beginner, no matter what age or how great of a shape you were years ago, start slow and easy, and try different things. Try the water exercise classes or swimming if you have joint problems. Try chair yoga, body movement class, or a low impact class such as Body Vive.

When you try and stay focused, you will find what works for you but you are the one who has to make it happen. You are the one who has to take the initiative. So whether your goal is to slow your exercise regimen down like myself or increase your activities, in all cases make sure you add in a healthy balanced diet.

I am proud of, and want to encourage, everyone who is trying to better their lifestyle. I know it is hard and impossible at times, but you, and only you, can make that choice and set your own goals. I know you can do it!

Ester H Marsh, associate executive director JF Hurley YMCA