The running & walking experiences of an 86 year old man. I used to run and walk alone, but now I walk with my wife, although I sometimes go walking alone. My overall goal is to reach age 100 and still be walking for my long and medium walks. I enjoy my walks, especially those with my wife, although I miss going long distance.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Today is an unexpected rest day
I only got 5 hours sleep last night due to getting home from work quite late and having some things to do before I went to bed. When I awoke, I could tell I was tired, so I'm not running today. My wakeup HR was 53.
I got the book today (the only copy in the Salt Lake County library system) and read chapter 5. I've felt some of the symptoms described by the runners: fewer and milder colds, weight control (I don't have much of a weight problem, anyway, and eating anything I want. I was in a serious auto accident on May 19, 2004 (see my blog for that date), and I would have died except for having a strong body due to running. I'm grateful for that.
I especially enjoyed reading the comments about the mediative properties of running. When I was in marathon training 25 years ago, I felt that way often. Like I was crusing down a highway with no worries at all. As I've recently been doing longer distances, I've started to feel those feelings again, like I'm floating down the trail. My running is my time when I make peace with myself and the world.
I didn't relate much to the comments about emotional feelings if I miss a scheduled run. I do have those feelings a bit, but not much. If I miss a run, I say, "That's ok, there is tomorrow." This past weekend, for example, I missed my 10-mile long run due to a trip to Arizona to visit my son and his family. I knew we would do some family walks (6 miles in two days), and that was fine with me.
I think I have a positive addiction to my running, but not an addiction that controls my life. I'm trying to fit it into its proper place in my life.
I've started reading the book from the beginning and am in the middle of the first chapter. Thanks for recommending the book.
Just a further thought. Some runners feel driven to push and push themselves to go faster and farther, and they feel guilty if they miss a run. I think both of those feelings are negative addiction. Especially the guilt. Guilt is destructive!
Have you read "Positive Addiciton" yet?
ReplyDeleteOps... thanks for the reminder. I better get to the library.
ReplyDeleteI got the book today (the only copy in the Salt Lake County library system) and read chapter 5. I've felt some of the symptoms described by the runners: fewer and milder colds, weight control (I don't have much of a weight problem, anyway, and eating anything I want. I was in a serious auto accident on May 19, 2004 (see my blog for that date), and I would have died except for having a strong body due to running. I'm grateful for that.
ReplyDeleteI especially enjoyed reading the comments about the mediative properties of running. When I was in marathon training 25 years ago, I felt that way often. Like I was crusing down a highway with no worries at all. As I've recently been doing longer distances, I've started to feel those feelings again, like I'm floating down the trail. My running is my time when I make peace with myself and the world.
I didn't relate much to the comments about emotional feelings if I miss a scheduled run. I do have those feelings a bit, but not much. If I miss a run, I say, "That's ok, there is tomorrow." This past weekend, for example, I missed my 10-mile long run due to a trip to Arizona to visit my son and his family. I knew we would do some family walks (6 miles in two days), and that was fine with me.
I think I have a positive addiction to my running, but not an addiction that controls my life. I'm trying to fit it into its proper place in my life.
I've started reading the book from the beginning and am in the middle of the first chapter. Thanks for recommending the book.
Just a further thought. Some runners feel driven to push and push themselves to go faster and farther, and they feel guilty if they miss a run. I think both of those feelings are negative addiction. Especially the guilt. Guilt is destructive!
ReplyDelete