I got back on the treadmill today.
In the best possible way. People like to use the treadmill as an analogy for the endless run of effort an unhappy life can feel like. Running as fast as you can to stay in the same place. Exertion without direction. It’s a valid analogy.
But it’s not how I feel.
I think I’ve mentioned before that I’m not a natural exerciser. In my vainglorious youth, back when I could eat anything and never show it, I liked to say that I only walk, never run. Hey – I was a teenager. I thought it was cute to say things like that.
Now I run. Because I have to. But I’m not a natural runner. The treadmill keeps me on track. I don’t have to worry about if I’m slowing down (which, left to my own devices, inevitably occurs) or how far I’ve gone. I set my speed and my time; all that’s left for me to deal with is keeping going. Thus, for me, the treadmill is about consistency and discipline. It’s all about daily progress.
No more eating whatever strikes my fancy – like the birthday crab-fest above – or lolling about drinking wine and being lazy. I’ve worked it out of my system. It feels good to reapply the discipline, work back into stretch of muscles and the glow of a healthy sweat.
I might even try to pick up the speed a little.
Way to jump back onto the treadmill of life!!! Just don't get distracted and fall off the back. That hurts. Not that I would know or anything. Also, don't try to in-line skate on your treadmill. That REALLY hurts. Or at least I assume so… 🙂
We missed you!
Yay, discipline!
Imma watch ya dodat from the wine cellar where I promise to work on my upper body strength.
Was that your birthday celebration? If so, happy new year! Thanks for the great post. : )
LOL, Kristina – what an image!
Everyone has their own kind of discipline, KAK…
Thanks Tara! A brand new, fresh and shiny new year, indeed!
Do you run because it's more efficient? I am contemplating taking it up…instead of walking, which I don't do very often, but I generally enjoy. Walking is more pleasant to me, but I'd like to think I would enjoy running AND it would be more efficient.
I should say I alternate weight lifting with running. The running helps clear out my system and increase metabolism while the weight lifting increases lean muscle mass. And, yes, running takes less time!
Biking. Low impact. Efficient. And it will whip you into shape. Just the notion of running hurts, though I do recall a time when I thought it was fun. 🙂 Course, the ultimate exercise would be swimming in turquoise water…
I do biking if the knee is bad – otherwise I feel like I still get more "bang for the buck" from running. But, yes, snorkeling for hours in turquoise water is the ideal!