I have never liked to run, but during the last couple of weeks my exercise regime has changed. A member for 16yrs at my health club, always a passionate swimmer and dancer but due to changes at the club I was not getting the the satisfaction previously enjoyed and have not been since October 2016, so finally decided to resign.
Have practised yoga for 40yrs and love it but needed cardio work so started to walk with our grehound Ziggy out of our garden gate and up onto what is called the bank, a walk that stretches for several miles in each direction with no houses or vehicles spoiling the view across the farmland to marshes and finally to the Irish sea. Beautiful, following the eye view I see cows grazing with their calves nearby. Hundreds of birds from tiny sparrows to flying swans, breathtaking!
Second day of walking deciding to try and jog, small steps and short bursts intermittent with fast walking. Feels strange but good. half hour of yoga when I home before a hearty breakfast and refreshing shower.
Third day the same pattern, no breakfast this time, glass of water and quick coffee which sets the pattern for the future, then more jogging and walking to a rhythm, my own rhythm. Ziggy getting more excited as he flies past me like the wind.
Fourth day the jogging increases as the walking beats faster, using tired muscles, encouraging them to continue. Stretching out with yoga which helps on my return.
Fifth day, muscles do not want to work and big effort needed to make them move, the effort is worthwhile, at last I am beginning to understand the love that runners have for their sport or exercise, the freedom is exhilarating!
The following days continue as before, I have made myself some healing massage oil for tired limbs , the pattern and discipline is now fixed but fluid, walk jogging for 45 minutes, 40 minutes yoga, breakfast shower and massage legs and feet. Amazing feeling of health and well being.
No drive to the health club, trying to find parking space and sign in to get to class on time, find locker etc, then after class waiting for a shower to be free……..the relief and freedom I have now just by walking from the rear garden to the bank with Ziggy is extraordinary rewarding. Seeing vibrant blue of the bluebells, the green velvet of the grass as I walk/run, no sound only birdsong, cows munching, Ziggy’s paws on the ground and his breath as he pounds past, and the occasional person walking their dog, divine!
Writings of a Leo 