( CNN ) -- There I was , having an epiphany . I had just run close to 3 miles with my 24-year-old son , and wishing I had been in better shape to enjoy more activities with my kids when they were younger . Why did I wait so long to get healthier ? How much did I miss out on by not taking the time to take care of myself ? Training for a triathlon has made me aware of the side benefits of exercise -- benefits that expand past the point of gaining strength and losing fat . I have never been particularly goal-driven ; I seemed to thrive by getting through life `` by the seat of my pants . '' But this year I have realized the benefit of having goals , both large and small , and of working to achieve those goals . What a motivation boost it is to see how much progress I have made , especially in my running . When I first started running in January , I could n't make a half-lap around a high school track without getting winded . Yesterday , after bike riding for almost an hour and a half , I was able to run over two miles in 30 minutes . There is no way I would have been able to progress to that point without goals and coaching . This side benefit has bled into my professional life . By setting small goals , I feel that I am better able to focus on tasks and am more efficient with the demands of my workday . My ability to do athletic activities other than the three triathlon sports has improved as well , telling me that my overall fitness and coordination have improved . My job in the hospital can involve a great deal of walking , lifting and twisting . I can now work a 12-hour shift and finish with more energy than I would have before I started training . That dying patient could have been me . My wife has gotten into biking and running with me . We both agreed that whatever happens , we can not stop what we are doing after the triathlon . Not only do we not want to lose our momentum , we both have enjoyed the journey , supporting and encouraging each other along the way . Even my golf swing feels better ( though anything would have been an improvement ! ) I am turning 50 in July , but I do n't feel 50 . Other than the occasional soreness that comes after a workout , I do n't have the aches and pains of middle age . I sleep so much better than I did years ago . Some have told me that I do n't look like I am that old -- what a shot of confidence that gives me ! Since beginning training , I do n't feel irritable toward the world ; I actually enjoy each day as it comes . It has been a long time since I have felt depressed or discouraged . Before you call me Pollyanna , know that I am not always the happy-go-lucky guy I would like to be every second of the day . But I do think that because I am exercising my body , my mind benefits as well . The negatives of life can be met with a better attitude and fresh perspective . How we approach the events of life often determine their outcome . If I come to a bump in the road grumpy , sluggish and depressed , how much more severe is that bump going to be ? I have come to realize that life is too short to needlessly suffer the consequences of inactivity and procrastination . Get out there and do something -- something you enjoy . Give yourself the gift of a better day by making an effort to strengthen your body and improve your mind . You are fearfully and wonderfully made ; take advantage of that and follow me and the rest of Fit Nation Sassy Six as we work to live the second half of our lives better than the first . My name is Ron , and I am a food addict .
Ron Cothran wishes he had been more active when his kids were younger . He 's seen the effect exercise can have on his job , mind . Follow Ron 's journey training for a triathlon on Twitter @ TriHardRon .