9th July, 2009 - The Running Man

I have been out running again. My dad’s recent heart surgery has caused me to re-assess my lifestyle. I have noted that there a several risk factors in my life that may need attention –

• I have not taken exercise since Easter 2004
• I eat my own bodyweight in cheese every week
• I have a job that makes me kick inanimate objects with frustration
• I only see sunlight for 3 hours between October and April each year

So – to combat all of this, I have been for a wee jog. The problem with running now, is that my mind remembers the way running used to be for me, when I was 26 and fit and training for a half marathon. My neural pathways for running were formed at that time, and my mind still instructs my body to run the same way. I feel like I should be able to run hills and intervals and sprints, even though I am now too old to and tired and unfit to do any of these things without the support of a dedicated crash team.

So. I am sore as I type this. Not just my legs. But my heart. My spirit. And my optimism. They have all taken a battering today. I am off to eat some cheese to cheer myself up.