Sorry to hear about your buddy (and about your asthma ). But, it sounds like you and he will enjoy many easier days together, and you have the right attitude. Among my other life stories I've had 2x ACL surgery which gave me a lot of appreciation for being able to be healthy and move around.

115 seems like a pretty reasonable weight for where you are in life. I am happy to be in the 115-118 range and especially to know it's from a healthy lifestyle.

Your last comment reminded me of something I've read in one of my many books on tri training etc. I don't have the citation off the top of my head, but paraphrased, was something like better to be able to do 90% for 20 years, than 100% for 2.

And, just remember, we are NOT that far away before the days get longer! As much as the cold dark days of Nov & Dec drag on, I take great satisfaction knowing that we start gaining the upper hand again before the New Year.