Clueless in La Mesa

Thank you all for your notes and phone calls upon the occasion of my birthday. I had a lovely breakfast at Lupe's hands, and had a thoughtful walk around Lake Murray with John Price. In addition to family and friends, Michelle Obama contacted me today. She didn't know it was my birthday. She wants me to help children avoid obesity by moving more. So, grandkiddles, cub scouts, and neighbors, I'll help set an example and try to keep moving.

Today I ran a timed mile. You can see my result on the watch I wore. Slow! Samuel will surpass me in a couple of years. He was at 8:11 last July! Brandon and Caleb will follow in time. I believe all the other men in our family are faster than Grandpa right now.

I set a goal way back in 1972 to run a six-minute mile today. I could still do a 5:30 when I was Simon's age, and ran in the very low sixes when I was in my forties. I was a minute slow today. Seven minutes was my goal for age 70! Clearly, I have some training to do. My splits were 1:33; 3:21, and ; 5:17. I'll get back in shape. My times will drop. I'm throwing down the gauntlet, guys.


The First Lady's letter:

Good Afternoon,

I’m writing to share a startling prospect: due to rising levels of childhood obesity, our Nation’s youngest generation could actually face a shorter expected lifespan than its parents.

That’s unacceptable. As Americans, we all work tirelessly to provide a better world for the next generation. As a mother, I can tell you that nothing is as important as a child’s health.

The problem is clear. Over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates in this country have tripled. Today, obesity and excess weight threaten the health of one out of three American children.

It’s time for us to act. That's why I’m asking you to be part of Let's Move! -- a nationwide effort to solve the obesity epidemic within one generation.

Today, pediatricians treat children with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even Type II diabetes. Teachers see bullying and teasing in class. School counselors see kids with depression and low self-esteem. Coaches see kids struggling to keep up or stuck on the sidelines.

Obesity affects our economy as well. Our country spends nearly $150 billion treating obesity-related conditions like diabetes, heart disease and cancer. We can expect that number to grow unless healthy changes occur.

I hope you’ll take a moment to join community leaders, teachers, doctors, nurses, moms and dads across the country. Together, we will work to help our kids eat better and lead active, healthy lives.

Thank you,

Michelle

First Lady Michelle Obama
The White House

P.S. We’ve posted a special video about this effort to LetsMove.gov. Check it out.