I Don’t Run
Not usually anyway. Normally, I use a car or walk places. Sometimes bicycle. Never run. Today, after six months since last time. I tried it again. Here’s why.
Okay, so this is out of the ordinary for me.
So why do it?
I say out of the ordinary, but this was a tradition in Austin. A gentle run, trying to learn pace and consistent movement to lengthen my time out in the open.
In Austin, I ran from my apartment to Lookout Point in Zilker Park which was 1.3 miles away. It was a treacherous climb with deer en-route. Deer which looked menacing and I didn’t want to disturb them. I had to climb over rocks near a dried up river and try not to roll my ankle. It was quite the task. It would take no more than 35 minutes of my time, and I usually started just before sunrise.
Back in London, I’ve been doing the gym. Lifting weights and reducing body fat content and increasing muscle. Becoming leaner and healthier in the process. So, that’s what I have been doing.
Since I returned from Budapest, I have been quite unwell. I’ve had a chesty cough, and with my asthma flaring up in America, I don’t want to take any risks. I returned to London from Budapest on 17th April. It is now 4th May.
Just over two weeks of inactivity. No gym, nothing.
I started to feel more tired than usual. Although, I was busier than usual. I felt sluggish and unwilling to do simple tasks. But for the first time, I had no worries and am enjoying myself.
So why the run?
I hate sameness. I think it is the most critical thing to avoid in life. Some difference every day is essential. Otherwise, things get boring.
This is where it gets interesting.
I am a passionate advocate of routine and order.
So how can you be both a man of routine and hate sameness?
It’s simple. Every day, change something you do or where you place yourself.
It is now routine to take the train to Central London to university, but sometimes I take different routes to get there. Or while I’m there, I study in diverse places. I’m never doing the same.
It appears, in the long form, that I do the same. Subconsciously, I am changing little things I do. I get interested in the differences. That usually what makes these blogs.
I keep getting off the topic of running.
I avoided running in school. Except sprint running. I was okay at that. Long distance laps, I hid in the corner and stayed quiet.
I run for trains and connections now. I think everyone does and shouldn’t be anyone’s claim to fame.
The most significant thing for me centres around this idea of running out of breath after the first minute.
It’s a psychological barrier. Out in the open, under the watchful eye of society, I would run the streets and try and last longer than my assumptions.
I ran towards my councillor’s house. The place that mended what was a broken soul. I’m never going to be perfect, but I’m a lot better than where I was a year ago. That direction of travel gave me some comfort. It gave me a mission and a purpose.
Today, I want to get back into fitness. I am planning gym tomorrow, but today I wanted a taste of running. I’m staying with my cousin in Fort Worth, and her and her husband both run. I may join them, so I thought no better time to start than precisely two months before I leave for the States.
My running stats are weak. Compared to the average runner. Compared to anyone with able lungs. My lungs, in the past, worked hard to make up for an insufficient heart and only four years after surgery — it still has 16 years to make up time. Asthma doesn’t help this situation neither. But, I’m not making excuses — these are just the facts.
So, I take these stats on my chin. I’m grateful I can run. Some so many unfortunate individuals can’t run because of physical impairments or disabilities from birth.
I know that running might not be for me. I’m a big believer in trying to the point where it is logically idiotic to continue.
People say if you don’t try, you’ll never know. I believe if you try something once, it’s worst than not trying at all.
After one time it isn’t possible to determine anything, you haven’t recorded enough data nor have the experience to make that judgement.
Running might not be for me. I could stick to golf and be happy, I’m sure.
I’ve run four times now; I’m slowly realising that I need to be more patient.
Once my legs recover, I’ll try running again.
This blog and my run today is as a direct result of efforts by three individuals I know that ran the London Marathon; George Benner, Toby Smith and Matt Glen.
Speaking to George recently, it was great to see what he accomplished. Thinking back to three years ago when we started playing golf, I never thought I’d see him complete a marathon in blistering pace in that heat.
I tried something, outside my comfort zone, inspired by individuals that I have known and had conversations with, and I implore you to the same.
Run. Run. Run.