I work in a profession that keeps me continuously surrounded by healthy, active, and athletic people - yet I am not one. Not anymore anyway.
Against all the odds (young parents who weren't involved in sports in any way shape or form), I was a VERY athletic child and that lasted all the way through high school and into the army. My big sports were volleyball, skiing, and softball, and every once in awhile I'd take a break from one of those (or add more to whatever I was doing already) and at some point also played water polo, basketball, track & field (shotput, discus, and javelin) and I'm sure I'm missing one. At one point in the army I was on 3 different teams at once and still doing our morning PT every day at 6:30.
Anyway, then came college and the overwhelming desire to rest whenever I had the chance. I can't imagine why.
Now...I need to do something. To start something and be involved with something that is good for me and relieves stress instead of piling on more than I already have. A goal.
Unfortunately I am in a profession where in most settings, the hours are usually sporadic, completely unpredictable, and usually long.
I could join a gym. Going to the gym to just "work out" is something I dread. It's boring. The scenery never changes. I never feel good really after going to the gym. And I certainly don't want to pay for it (or the gas to get there).
I could join a local recreational sports league, like the 30+ soccer team a friend of mine was encouraging me to join with her (she plays all the time). This is right up my alley! I would love this! Ah...but no. I can't commit to any one or two nights of the week on a regular basis. I might have Tuesday (or any other) night free one week, work it the next, and have it off for 3 more, and then work 6 straight. So, while it might be ok for me to just show up when I can, I am not ok with a team of people not being able to count on me to show up to something. So that's out.
What's left?
Running.
I have never been a good runner, or a general fan of it really (probably because I'm so slow)...but after 5 years in the army of runnining anywhere from 2-10 miles a day 4-5 days a week, I know I am capable. I know I love running through the woods or through parks around airfields, rain or shine. And I felt great afterwards. Refreshed. Especially if I pushed myself hard enough to keep the rest of the slow chicks motivated. I can run anywhere. Almost any time. My refreshed, newly-non-smoking heart could use the work, and this extra 30 lbs of lazy bullshit I'm packing around could really use a genuine hint that it's not welcome on this ass and gut anymore. And now I live in a pretty tree-lined neighborhood just asking for me to explore it, make friends with it, and love it.
I don't need a certain day of the week. I don't need a membership. I can be outdoors. And better yet, I can still nurture my competitive side.
With myself.
And of course, these:
They are Nike's. They have what I need for the mechanics of my foot, they were comfortable, and they were on clearance. The next pair will be much sweeter, I assure you. For now, I'm entitled to my starter running shoes...kinda in the way people are allowed a starter marriage. Or 2.
Do people name shoes like they name bikes? If so I might have to call them Scooby & Scrappy....but probably not.
In other news...
Smiley, happy babies are the most adorable summer job ever:
We had a damn good time today. Here he was really enjoying my Lil' Jon impressions.
My to-do list has been butchered down to 49 items. Wish me luck on knocking a few more off tomorrow!
