According to the mighty wikipedia a bandwagon is quite literally a wagon that carries a band in a parade, circus, or other entertainment. The phrase “jump on the bandwagon” comes from the 1848 American presidential campaign when Dan Rice, a professional circus clown, used his bandwagon to promote Zachary Taylor’s bid for the Whitehouse. As Taylor’s campaign became more and more popular increasing numbers of politicians tried to get a seat on it in order to be associated with Taylor’s success. If the same principles hold true today then we can expect Mike Hukabee to be appearing in a new Chuck Norris film any day now.
I’m not above hopping on a bandwagon or two myself. Whether it be Blogging or Battlestar Galactica, Flickr or Firefly, it’s not often that I’m first to the party. I’m usually the one turning up late just as all the cool kids are moving onto the next big thing. But not this time. Oh no.
The spectacular CamiKaos recently started a new movement over on her blog: Fit Friends. The concept is pretty simple, all those who sign up pledge to exercise at least three times a week throughout the month of February. And you know what? I was the second person to add my name. The second. That must mean I’m the vice vice president or something.
What’s more I actually made the pledge before Cami even thought of it! On the ninth of January I quite clearly stated that I was going to:
…eat more healthily and get some significant exercise at least three times a week.
Fat Dan’s grand slam, 09/01/08
Of course I didn’t exactly follow through on that. In fact I’m sitting here munching my way through an entire packet of biscuits as I type (in my defense I haven’t eaten anything since my full English breakfast this morning). Alas, in the immortal words of Winnie-the-Pooh, I am a bear of very little willpower.
Still, since signing up for the Fit Friends I have actually followed through with my promise to exercise. Last week I walked a total of fifteen miles, nine of them on Sunday. I woke up on Monday morning and got out of bed only to find that my legs had decided that they would much rather stay horizontal. I eventually managed to coax them into action, but they complained bitterly about it throughout the rest of the day. Which all makes me a little nervous about walking seventeen miles on the first leg of our charity hike, only to get up the next morning and walk another seventeen.
Perhaps I could persuade the others to rig up some sort of Cleopatra-esque sedan chair to carry me in. Or then again, perhaps not.
It’s probably a good job that I have six months to get myself in shape.
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In July of this year I shall be walking 78 miles in 6 days in aid of the Joseph Salmon Trust, a charity founded by my close friends in memorial to their son Joseph who died aged 3. Please look here for further details and consider sponsoring me. Thank you.
Hooray Dan…
Would you like a special title? If it will make you feel better I will give you one… hmmm…
um.. Yeah. My brain hasn’t kicked into gear yet today so I think I will think of it later… but WAY TO GO DAN!!!!!!
Good luck Dan. That’s a damn good challenge to keep to. I have a thought in my head ( big one to be honest) about getting fit this year. but getting healthy enough first is the name of the game!
But, yeah, am waving pompoms on the sidelines in support!
Bec’s last blog post..Out There
You’re a brave soul. I’ve jumped on and off many wagons in my lifetime. Sadly, I have become guite addicted to the lifestyle of the sloth.
Ed (zoesdad)’s last blog post..40 Days…..
good luck. Just be nice and do your push- and sit-ups!
Arjan’s last blog post..Megabattle: Nids vs Iron Warriors
I have to work on this, too. I am training for Kilimanjaro and it is going to opposite of well. (Too many cookies).
Nina’s last blog post..Ash Wednesday
you’re going to climb the Kilimanjaro???
Arjan’s last blog post..Megabattle: Nids vs Iron Warriors
Wait - you weren’t already in super shape when you agreed to this charity hike??
Are you CRAZY?
I think I’m impressed. I think.
Miss Britt’s last blog post..The Return of “What Would Miss Britt Doâ€
CamiKaos - To be honest I’ve always fancied a kinghthood. Sir Dan of Fitfriend has a nice ring to it.
Bec - Thanks. I just need to get it into my head that the walk is fast approaching. I could probably just about manage it in my current condition, but it certainly wouldn’t be a pleasant experience.
Ed - Me too, me too.
Arjan - I’m not too sure about sit-ups. I’m quite good at sit downs though.
Nina - Your Kilimanjaro expedition leaves my own paltry plans in the dust.
Britt - I didn’t just come up with the idea, i suggested it in the first place. Perhaps that should go on my gravestone after I die of a heart attack on the third day.
I never knew where the bandwagon thing came form…thanks for the story :0
Bradley
The Egel Nest
bradley egel’s last blog post..Voter Cycle…
Doing something in a group is motivating somehow. Though it can have the opposite effect = e.g. giving up altogether because you miss a day.
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