Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Walking.


I like to walk.

I walk with my dog. Today we walked along a river, through an old cemetery, through a village, through a park, along a canal, over some locks, down a spit of land with water on both sides. We were just walking along. I walk in any season, but am happiest now that almost all the snow is finally melted. We have woods all around our house. And ponds. And paths. And trails. I walk them. I walk through cemeteries. I walk up hills, I walk through wetlands, through meadows. I am a woman who likes to walk with her dog. I like to think while I walk. But the thinking is so effortless that I don't even remember what I thought about, just that I thought about stuff and the sun shone and the dog was always at my side.

I do not like to run.
But I think I should like to run. I think I should be the kind of person who runs and runs and thinks and sweats and trains for something... but running just hurts. I had meniscus surgery on my knee last year so running makes me a little nervous too. Plus you have to wear the special uni-boob bra, so that's no fun. I can't relax and let my mind wander. When I run I just think, "Can't...get enough...air. Shins hurt."

My husband runs. Fast. Up hills. And he likes it. Weird, right? He "trains" for things. Races.

I know nobody is judging me. Sometimes I jog, but mostly, I just like to walk. So why do I feel like I should want to run? Maybe I just want to be able to brag that I'm in training.

6 comments:

Shannon said...

When you figure it out would you tell me? I even set being able to run a 5k a one of my new years resolution, but -and here is the stupid thing, I hate running! Why would I do this to myself? Maybe I think I should be ABLE to run 5k rather than I really WANT to run a 5k.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I'll bet it's just gorgeous up there! I'm sure the scenery is beautiful.

I should be out walking, too... hopefully, your post will kick me in the rear to do that, also...

And I've long ago given up on being a runner. But I look at runners and think... good for you!

Bryn said...

Running is overrated...I say this because I hate running!! I swear my lungs scream at me and threaten to close completely if I don't stop. So that's why I don't run! ;) At least you walk. Do you know how many people out there don't even do that?!

Jen said...

I walk with occasional jogging spurts (prevalent when we are walking to school pick-up and 'running' late quite literally).
I understand your dilemma...I have done the same thing for years. I vow to run one, and then end up not doing it...walking is so good for your health, though, and better for your knees!

Anonymous said...

It's Friday, and that means that the Sixth Weekly State Department Blog Roundup is up - and you're on it!

Here is the link:

http://bit.ly/deo4HK

(If I quoted your text or used your photo(s) and you would rather I had not, please let me know. Please also be sure to check the link(s) that I put up to you, in order to verify that they work properly. If you would rather that I had not referenced you, and/or do not want me to reference you in the future, please also contact me.)

Thanks!

Connie said...

Walk. Don't run. Pain is your body's way of saying "NO!". I served 9 yrs active duty army. It took 6 of those years to figure out that my knees really should have joined the AF (or stayed home altogether - I had a surgeon tell me I should never have been allowed in the military because my knees were malformed and I really could NOT run without hurting myself!). I believed in "No pain, no gain" and I was so wrong. My knees are permanently messed up. Some people run and have actual fun (my husband is one) and I am 100% convinced that it is simply because it does not hurt them (this is where we should say 'duh!' but why do we feel so guilty about it??!!) :p Walk your dog... that sounds like perfectly wonderful fun to me!