And since it’s the start of a new month, naturally I have given myself a new goal. So I got up this morning and laced up my totally non-professional jogging shoes and went outside. Into nature. Before the sun came over the top of the mountain. (I know!)
And I went for it. Walked myself into a rhythmic stupor for a mile and a bit, and then took off. I jogged. In my kitchen, among those who love me most, I could say “I ran” – but here, we have an honesty policy. So to you, I’ll tell the truth – I sort of lurched. But I did it consistently for three miles. Yes, you read that correctly. Three miles. I am not what you’d call a natural at this. I spent about thirty years convinced that I hated to run (or jog, or move faster than a trot). But then, I just decided to try it. And do you know what? I kind of like it.
Not the actual jogging, you understand. I’m not going to lie to you about that. I do it, and I’ll try to commit to it once again, but no, it’s not the jogging that I like. It’s the “having been jogging” that thrills me. I can put the most sincere smile on my face when I say the words “I jogged three miles in a row without stopping or even crying.” I like the fact that I did it. And that I’ll do it again tomorrow. I like the stretch in my muscles. I like remembering something really positive about these, um, strong thighs. (They are strong. I could have walked across the plains with the pioneers, provided my cow kept making milk so I could butter my disgusting dried-food provisions.)
And do you know what’s fun about joggers? (I don’t think they consider me one of them, and that is completely fair. I’m not one of them. I just share the same sphere now and then.) They smile. I try to smile. Smiling and gasping CAN coexist. I proved it this morning. The joggers I pass, the ones who know me? They call out to me (in their even-breathing way) “Morning, Becca.” They keep smiling while I wave, knowing that panting is making speech impossible. The ones I really admire are the ones who jog (or even full-on run) in groups. And converse while they move. Actual questions, statements and responses. Maybe I can make a goal to reach that zenith of unimaginable fortitude. Actual conversation, while lurching jogging? Sounds like Arrival to me.
(14) Comments for this blog
Once again, you are my hero. I begin my run/jog/lurch program very soon. Three miles is in the way distant future for me. I will get there, probably about the time you reach that zenith of unimaginable fortitude.
Once again, you are my hero. I begin my run/jog/lurch program very soon. Three miles is in the way distant future for me. I will get there, probably about the time you reach that zenith of unimaginable fortitude.
It’s good to have a goal. And you are such a hoot. You’re in marvelous shape to be able to lurch three miles!
It’s good to have a goal. And you are such a hoot. You’re in marvelous shape to be able to lurch three miles!
Congrats! You are much more of a woman than me. I am lame when it comes to jogging.
Congrats! You are much more of a woman than me. I am lame when it comes to jogging.
I’m a lurcher too, but I have bad lungs to blame. I wish I could run three miles without stopping, and I’ve been trying for years, but I blame that on all the hills where I live. Welcome to the club.
I’m a lurcher too, but I have bad lungs to blame. I wish I could run three miles without stopping, and I’ve been trying for years, but I blame that on all the hills where I live. Welcome to the club.
Becca! I think it is so great you go for three miles! I’m only at two. And when my kids try to talk to me. I wave them away, because I can’t catch my breath to speak. =)
Becca! I think it is so great you go for three miles! I’m only at two. And when my kids try to talk to me. I wave them away, because I can’t catch my breath to speak. =)
Go, girl. I’m proud if I get out and WALK half that distance.
Go, girl. I’m proud if I get out and WALK half that distance.
So proud of you! I don’t get the whole running thing, but I’m glad you are getting on board. I’ve heard it’s real addicting.
So proud of you! I don’t get the whole running thing, but I’m glad you are getting on board. I’ve heard it’s real addicting.