I have taken up running.
Even seeing that statement typed in front of me is bizarre.
I have taken up running.
Even seeing that statement typed in front of me is bizarre.
“I believe it’s jogging or yogging. It might be a soft j. I’m not sure but apparently you just run for an extended period of time. It’s supposed to be wild.”
You were right with jogging, Ron Burgundy.
I was a long-time advocate for driving two blocks because walking seemed so blah. Running was always out of the question. Why would I want to feel tired for fun? I didn’t get it and adamantly refused to grasp any argument supporting the activity. Plus, it’s mentally draining. Before I even begin I’m thinking about stopping. It’s a mental tug-of-war.
Can I do it?
Nope, I’m tired.
Already?
Yep.
But, I am engaged to a former collegiate cross country runner. And now, four times per week, my feet hit the pavement, then afterward my behind hits the couch; a sore calf, tight hamstrings, wheezing chest. I don’t think I’m that old. Out of shape, for sure.
I just bought a great new pair of Nike running shoes and I find myself wanting to exert the extra energy to make it around the last half lap.
We converse, complain about our work day – before verbally smacking each other for whining about having jobs and a paycheck – and push each other to the stop sign where we began our 20-minute jaunt. The finish line, if you will.
There is something about the fresh summer air cooled by a light breeze as dusk settles over my neighborhood that just frees the mind. Despite dripping with sweat, the emancipating experience nearly overshadows the aches and pains.
“From that day on, if I was ever going somewhere, I was running.”
Easy there Forrest Gump, not quite.
A couple miles per night to start is good enough for now.
I’m motivated by the thought of how smooth a run it will be once I build up my strength and stamina. Want to go for a quick 5-mile run?
OK, why not?
Sports has a magical way of getting you to do something you would never originally imagine being exhilarating or even of interest.
In their own way, sports never cease to amaze me with the doors that are opened as a result of staying active.
“To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift,” legendary distance runner Steve Prefontaine once said.
If I can physically accomplish something, why not try it while I can? Otherwise, what am I doing?
