Jogging AGAIN

I resumed my jogging for the umpteenth time this last weekend. I can't begin to count how many times I have come back to this "sport" if you can call it that. I can't say that I really LIKE to jog but there are so many things around the actual activity that I adore that I always find my way back. For all of you out there who hate to run, here is what makes it worth the pain:

The number one thing is endorphins, get your heart pumping high enough, long enough, and its better than a good drug! God knows I need endorphins these days and really , who doesn't?

I also really like that slight soreness down my leg muscles, kind of weird maybe, but as long as there is not a true ache, it feels good to feel the aftermath of physical exercise.

Now the embarrassing thing -  I like feeling proud of myself that I actually got off my butt and went.It is like I accomplished something even if I do nothing else all day and I can pat myself on the back all the way until the next day when the guilt voices start back in to drag me out again.

In the beginning of my "jogging" career, if it hadn't been for the invention of the Walkman (remember those?) and later it's subsequent incarnations leading up to the ultimate in running gear - the iPod, I probably would never have made it around the block. Some of my running friends have chided me to leave the music behind and get "one with nature" as I run. Forget it - that doesn't work for me. I need all the distraction I can get and being plugged in to a good rhythm definitely keeps me going. Before Christmas during my last running restart, I discovered ABBA on my daughter's iPod. (I knew ABBA existed but I had never run with them before). I highly recommend them as a running companion.

In Paris, you are practically the lone ranger on any run. Yesterday in the park totally PACKED with people there was only me and one other guy running in the opposite direction. The French simply do not "jog". I am sure I stick out as a "foreigner" with every step and the San Diego Padres baseball cap probably is a dead giveaway. It doesn't matter.

The benefits definitely outweigh everything else. And besides - I am running in Paris, I can see the Eiffel Tower, and I can go home and eat a baguette without guilt! How cool is that?

Comments

[Carrie]

Okay, thanks for providing me with some humor at 4 am. What is it about turning 50? I am beginning to wake up on a regular basis at this hour, and being unable to sleep, pay bills and find my friend's blog! I, too, tried to get back into running again this past week! Oops- jogging. I felt so good, the sun was warm on my face, and the music, the right tempo, that I kept on running. BIG mistake. Remember those calves? Well, mine reminded me they were there all week! I'd go out again right now, but it is still dark...so I guess I'll try to go back to bed until the guilt voices wake me again!