What Makes You Go?

 I think if most of us were honest with ourselves, we would have to admit that we have no business exerting our opinions about anything-- we can't even understand ourselves.  At least I certainly don't.

My husband and children would probably like to know why I am dedicated to running marathons and competing in an Ironman before I'm fifty.  As my ever tactful fifteen year old said to me a few days ago as I discussed possibly swimming with his swim team for practice, "Well Mom, you are certainly unique for a woman in your age group." Why is that?

We all have a basic cultural understanding of why we work; why we go to school; and why we marry and have children.  But the idea of getting up early, skipping the freshly made cinnamon rolls, and going for a fifteen mile run for fun is something only a few people understand.  And if you're wondering, I can't help you.  I don't understand why you don't.

I don't like the way my body feels when I am sedentary.  I don't like the fat, the aches, the joint pain.  More importantly, I don't like my mental state when I'm not training for something.  I get grouchy.  My sense of calm and peace is more difficult to find.

So if you are a happy, healthy person who doesn't have to fight the urge to shout at your children or spouse or four rowdy dogs; if you're a person who doesn't have a tendancy to eat when you're bored or stressed; if you're happy right where you are-- then you don't need to go for a run, a bike, or a swim.

But if you're a little like me . . . you may want to dust off that old bicycle because the sun is shining and it's not too cold out, and go for a little toodle around the block or down a nearby bike path.  No pressure.  Don't try to do a hundred miles or even five.  Just see how it feels.  But maybe don't go on wet pavement.  You don't want to end up like this guy.

Something new I learned yesterday--call it a Christmas gift: Don't try to take a sharpcorner on wet asphalt.  You might end up like this guy, and take home something called road rash that hurts
WAY more than it looks like it should.