I have been a runner, twice in my life. The first time was in my late teens early 20's, my weight had ballooned and I started running and not eating to get drop weight. Then I stopped moving, got a real job, built a house, and gained a lot of weight. In my late 20's I joined a gym, took control (over control) of my diet and lost about 75 pounds. I ran, swam, and rode bikes. I was supper fit for a decade. Then I stopped. I have reasons, or excuses why, but I stopped running. I kept moving, until I went through a period back in 2014-2015 when moving was a real problem. The worst was falling and not being able to get back up without great effort or help. By the time the "issue" was resolved I was weakened from not moving. At times I questioned if I would ever move as I wished again.
Two years ago I committed to doing 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week on the treadmill. I could do it. It quickly became a habit, something I feel out of sorts if I miss a couple of days. It is movement. I regained strength and stamina. Recently I upped it to 45 minutes most days, with long days a couple of times a week going for 60 minutes. I read or watch TV, the time flies by. I can feel myself getting stronger again, gaining endurance.
I think about running, I miss it, the feeling of lightness, of gliding along the sidewalk. There are a few memorable runs, London, Paris, Savannah, Washington DC, but most were in Winter Park Florida. I would drive in early in the morning, run, and then go to the gym afterwards. Very fond memories.
Have you ever been a runner?
I ran but was never a runner at your level. When we lived in Georgetown, I would go out in the morning and run down a short dirt trail to Rock Creek Park where I'd run for about 30 minutes. I loved it.
ReplyDeletenope. been lifting weights for 8 years now to help with arthritis and liking it.
ReplyDeleteRunning has never appealed to me.
ReplyDeleteNope. I used to be very, very skinny and very, very sedentary. Now I'm pleasingly plump, chuckle inducing chubby, feet vanishing fat. I did enjoy walking everywhere. I couldn't drive so I would walk for miles. Not anymore. I have, besides the diabetes, what I like to call head to toe arthritis of different varieties. A walker helps with the back, but my hands hurt too much to hold on to the frickin' thing for long periods of time. I have to hand it to you for your determination and love of running. Me no can do.
ReplyDelete