2008
Jan
29
inflexible
Last week I went for a run for the first time in about 10 years. Actually, I say run it was more of a slow jog. Though when I say slow jog, I guess I really mean it was a brisk walk interspersed with some slow walking. And a sit down.
Fitness is not my thing. It doesn’t seem to run in the family either. I’m pretty sure my Dad didn’t exercise much more than his drinking arm and the closest Mother gets to any kind of activity is jumping from one personality to another. Literally.
I want to get fit. Really I do. I’ll enter my 36th year in August and I feel tired all the time so I can’t neglect this part of my life any longer. But after feeling achy and exhausted all week after only a short run, maybe I need to start even more simply?
Perhaps a night in the pub exercising my beer biceps would be a good start?
Gaetan
30/1/2008 1:27am
Good on you Matt! I think you might want to start by walking. Go for walks, longer and longer walks until you feel fit enough to start running. Otherwise swimming or cycling are easier on the body than running. I hope you’ll stick with it!
30/1/2008 8:33pm
Hi GP! Good to hear from you. Thanks for the tips: yes, cycling is great and I used to do it a lot many years ago. I have no bike now and cycling in London is a joke, unless you can get out into the country easily. But I’ll certainly investigate that when the weather gets a bit nicer… I have bad knees so I think I really need a full medical assessment before I do anything else, though.
Gaetan
02/2/2008 2:14am
Hello again,
Otherwise, maybe you should give swimming another try? I have a feeling it would also be a way to meet someone nice! I’m not sure why but I have a good feeling about this, give it a try :)
Yesterday we went for a snowshoe hike, it was amazing. And amazingly exhausting! 9h walking/riding in the powder.
Take care and I hope the medical assessment will be positive :)
GP.
Alex Farran
07/2/2008 11:21am
How’s it going? Any fitter yet? For cycle routes you can always get in touch with London cycling campaign, Sustrans and the CTC. Fancy doing the London To Brighton this year?
From the title ‘inflexible’ I think you might want to try something like Tai Chi or Yoga. I always feel loosened up and energised after a good Tai Chi session.
08/2/2008 2:19pm
London to Brighton!? I could barely manage London to… London. I did do it back in ‘93 and it was fun but definitely in no state to do it this year.
Things are a bit all over the place for me at the moment as I might be moving home again: I wanted to find a local yoga class but as I don’t know where I’m going to be, I’m going to wait until March once I have decided where I’m moving to. But yes, a good plan — I tried it a few times in Brighton and it seemed like a good way to spend an hour — the only guy in a room full of ladies…
Theresa Quinn
09/2/2008 11:22pm
What do you mean it doesn’t run in the family??? I broke the Cardinal Newman school record for 100m hurdles, I’ve won medals in Brizilian ji jitsu and I’m only 3 belts away from taking my Karate Black Belt. A little perspective please!
Stop whinging. Just Do IT!
11/2/2008 12:19pm
Oh, family just turned up! For every rule there is always an exception and you’re obviously a major exception sis — plus it gave me an opportunity for a bad pun! Are you trying to spoil my wordplay? :-)
Chioma Nwatuobi
27/2/2008 5:46pm
As one who decided one day that she would begin running in her thirties I understand your plight.
I got my trainers on, my CD player (it was a few years ago) charged and invited my kid sister who was staying with me, to join me on my run. She scoffed, picked up the remote control and made a beautiful face that only teenagers are able to create. “I’ll be gone about an hour” I told her. She grunted. I bounded down the stairs of my flat, opening the doors to the big wide world with a smile and began my run. How good was I?! Five minutes later I entered the park, positive my lungs were hanging out of my body, sweat oozing from every pore and convinced death would be greeting me soon. I decided to walk. Home.
“That was quick!!” my little sister did smirk, nice and settled on my inviting sofa. I lay on the floor, unable to speak let alone breath.
Yesterday I discovered I am now running 8KM and I didn’t even know it!! How chuffed was I?
So If you are finding it really tough, I can always write a motivating social story as I would for my kids…better than dust collecting on those lovely bright yellow trainers. If I can, anyone can!