Running

At age 52 I took up running.  I feel fully alive.  So great to get outside in the early morning and get the blood flowing.  I am energized and ready to face the day.

I was a runner.  I am a runner.  Okay, I am a jogger.  I used to be a runner - briefly, in my twenties.  I like running.  I don't like running.  When I set out, I feel like, "there is no way I can do this."  At the end I say, "wow, I did it" and that feels great.  So, I recently took up running again.  I am feeling pretty good about the exercise, though I am very slow and find it hard.  I am doing intervals of running and walking with the amount of running/jogging increasing each week.

Who knew running was such an expensive sport.  I have gradually acquired more clothes, shoes, and stuff as I have become committed to doing it.  I started with what I had, but then I bought some better shoes and a few sleeveless tops.  And some socks - did you know you can pay $14.95 for ONE PAIR of socks?  But they are good - super cushioned - and make my feet much happier.  Then I got some shorts.  Then more socks.  A towel that is supposed to keep me cool.  My latest purchase, a strap that holds both my water bottle and my iPhone - and my hand doesn't get tired.  Since I have the exercise program on my phone that tells me when to run, when to walk and increases the time gradually, I need my phone but my hand is too sweaty to hold it.  And in this heat, I need the water bottle.   I'm sure I don't really NEED any of these things, but I enjoy them and they help me.

So look for me at the park in the early morning or at the gym.  And give me a smile or a nod of encouragement.