Wed August 31, 2011
Two days in a row. If I remember correctly from my old running days, my success rate improves exponentially after today. Just like playwrighting (cool! I just justified this entry! HA), the difficulty in running/exercising success is:
1> Starting! – Most people never get their butts in gear to beging the dang thing!
2> The First Return – most people who actually started give up after realizing the enormity of their endeavor.
3> Rainy Days – Many people talk themselves out of continuing on a day with inclement weather, forgetting that a day off sets you back two. Likewise, a playwright often has to write during sickness, family arguments, and other times that challenge his concentration.
4> Little Victories – After a great workout or after beating a personal best time (or knocking out a good scene), some people will reward themselves with a day off. Again, a set-back.
5> Mission Accomplished – If you think about it, it never really is. The reason you began your endeavor was to accomplish something (better health, lose weight, etc.). You think now that you’ve lost 20 lbs, you’ll keep it off if you stop? You need to continue to maintain. I contend that nobody EVER completes their “mission,” You die first.
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Today’s run was…. different. I can’t say it was harder– yesterday was hard, too. I completed my neighborhood course 10 minutes faster than yesterday. That’s just from less walking.
I remember being surprised by how much “jiggling” I was feeling. I’ve developed some body fat all around my torso. It jiggles when I run. Gross. Felt like I was wearing football shoulderpads. That will dissolve. Also, I remember the feeling, as I lay in bed, that my shins were covered in a pair of socks. Not sure if that was from a layer of fat (I have skinny legs!) or I’m getting a circulatory disorder. That, too, will pass.
Secondary benefit: My kids saw me return from the run yesterday as they were heading off to school and a couple neighbors saw me pass their houses. Though I’m shy and don’t like the attention (note the irony coming from an ex-actor) This reinforces my commitment to continue. (also, I remember when I was in high school, my Dad started jogging. He was in his forties and probably decided to get into better shape. I was proud of him. I like to think my kids can be proud of me.)
BTW, my Facebook post yesterday was:
A couple months ago, I got into contact with one of my favorite cousins, Chris, after about 30 years. He was one of the most dedicated runners I’ve known– and he still runs. I also got into contact with Coach Sellers, my first serious running coach. He’s still inspiring runners to this day. Well, all that got me thinking about my sedentary lifestyle, so I got my butt out of bed and RAN this morning. All I can say is: I hate you all and stay out of my head. (hee-hee)
