I get a guilty tang every time I talk or write about exercise because I know only too well that until I was about 13/14 I hated exercise and was a lazy, indoor child who loved nothing more than plopping down on the couch to play games and watch TV. I remember my exercise epiphany, I have no idea what brought it on or what I was doing but I think I’d just eaten something overly indulgent and I was watching TV in my parents bed, probably thinking about how gross and lethargic I surely must have felt. All of a sudden I decided “Wait, maybe I should eat healthier and actually do some exercise?!” As a child I loved to swim and from about the age of 9 or 10 my parents would happily let me wonder down the road to a school’s pool where I would swim and play with other kids for hours – I had a terrific tan too. Then as I hit puberty I got pretty chubby and I became self-conscious about it, so that was the end of my swimming obsession. Then I pretty much did no exercise.
However, once my epiphany occurred I never looked back. I lived in quite a suburban environment with plenty of hills and tracks nearby, but I was terrified of the idea of being seen running in public. I knew I’d only be able to run like 5-10mins without needing a break, an unfortunate reality for most beginning runners. I eventually found a nearby dirt track that my aunty took me for a walk with on once that led up a steep wee hill and is comprised of an hour circuit to get back home. It was a fairly gradual climb up to the base of the hill, and then an incredibly steep stretch that I insisted on making myself run up. No matter what I would always have to stop and sit on a stile that I used to jump over a fence, as the hill was a sheep grazing area. I used to sweat and pant there for at least 5mins before I could work up the energy to climb the next bit, that was too steep and hazardous to attempt running. However, this method eventually built me up to be a pretty strong runner, and this hill’s tracks are some of my favourites and the beautiful views of the ocean, mountains and city made it a worthwhile run. Having that privacy to develop my fitness was a god send, because after that I began to feel comfortable running around the city’s actual walkways and streets without shame, and because of my height I was naturally a bit faster than many people.
I have a slim build now, but it’s not particularly stickly and I do carry a bit of meat with me so my stamina isn’t exactly flawless, but it’s an ongoing work in progress. Since I started running, I have found a lot of menial tasks became much easier. I can go for like walks and not tire; hiking isn’t an issue and if I need to quickly run a short distance (to catch a bus for example) I won’t lose my breath. Plus I just feel a lot better, which is ultimately what it comes down to. I feel stronger, lighter and like I have a spring in my step. When I’m in a regular running routine, I feel really good. In Wellington on a nice day when it’s not too windy or cold, a run up Mount Vic, up to Highbury around the outskirts of New Zealandia or the stunning classic waterfront run is heaven. I feel happier when I’m running sometimes, and often if I’m in a bad mood going for a run can perk me up somewhat. Of course not all my problems are solved via cardio, but it was also my go-to activity when I was drowning in studies and assignments at uni. Of course a walk does the trick too, but really tiring myself physically, sweating and panting just gave me that real physical release I needed to get my mind focused. That all sounds a bit graphic and innuendo-esque, but yes, just like various other physical activities, running is a great release.
Having spent the last 3 months confined to indoor runs in Japan thanks to Hokkaido’s atrocious winter, I’m more than ready to get off the boring 30min-limited treadmill and charge off around the country side for some far superior runs. Nothing cures my cabin fever and isolated feelings better here than sweating it all out.
[ Image: MensHealth ]
I have a slim build now, but it’s not particularly stickly and I do carry a bit of meat with me so my stamina isn’t exactly flawless, but it’s an ongoing work in progress. Since I started running, I have found a lot of menial tasks became much easier. I can go for like walks and not tire; hiking isn’t an issue and if I need to quickly run a short distance (to catch a bus for example) I won’t lose my breath. Plus I just feel a lot better, which is ultimately what it comes down to. I feel stronger, lighter and like I have a spring in my step. When I’m in a regular running routine, I feel really good. In Wellington on a nice day when it’s not too windy or cold, a run up Mount Vic, up to Highbury around the outskirts of New Zealandia or the stunning classic waterfront run is heaven. I feel happier when I’m running sometimes, and often if I’m in a bad mood going for a run can perk me up somewhat. Of course not all my problems are solved via cardio, but it was also my go-to activity when I was drowning in studies and assignments at uni. Of course a walk does the trick too, but really tiring myself physically, sweating and panting just gave me that real physical release I needed to get my mind focused. That all sounds a bit graphic and innuendo-esque, but yes, just like various other physical activities, running is a great release.
Having spent the last 3 months confined to indoor runs in Japan thanks to Hokkaido’s atrocious winter, I’m more than ready to get off the boring 30min-limited treadmill and charge off around the country side for some far superior runs. Nothing cures my cabin fever and isolated feelings better here than sweating it all out.
[ Image: MensHealth ]