Nothing stands between ad executive, daily swim

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer

Sprint swimming has kept David Wilson, 58, within five pounds of his optimum weight since age 23. Wilson said he exercises every day. Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser

Age: 58

Profession: Partner in McNeil Wilson Communications and Laird Christianson Advertising

Height: 6 feet

Weight: 168 pounds

Workout habits: 2000 yards of sprint swimming five days a week at the Nuuanu Y.

When and why I started working out: "I have been an active swimmer most of my life since getting into competitive swimming at age 6."

My good foods/bad foods: "Nothing, with the exception of mac salad, is off limits."

My biggest motivator: "It's corny, but it's my family. I have four kids and a great wife to stick around for. Exercise and lifestyle are no garans for a longer life, but cannot hurt.... When it comes to my workout, I'm robotic. I don't allow myself any option of taking a day off, even when I travel. Every morning, I take my youngest son to school, get to the Y, put on my stuff and hit the pool. It's a habit. It's a great habit."

My biggest roadblock to fitness: "I have had 'gap' years when I just took off from the daily grind. I still worked out, but it was sporadic and lacked the intensity that I was used to. But I had excuses: 'It isn't important anymore; I don't have an excessive lifestyle ... no need,' or 'I no longer have the courage to maintain a fairly strenuous routine.' "

On both counts, I was wrong: "However modest my lifestyle, swimming is very important. Going to the Y every day is less about courage and more about routine."

My next challenge: "Tomorrow."

Advice for those in the same boat: "Keep rowing and row hard. If you can't row, don't sweat it. Weigh yourself every day. If you find you've crept up a few pounds, cut back till you're back."