Tuesday, September 15, 2009

September Morn

Oh, what a beautiful morning it is! I went to the gym to run on the treadmill. Run, not walk.

I am reading a book called "Younger Next Year" which I think probably has some good ideas about fitness... but I really don't like the style in which it is written and the assumptions it makes - like "have a glass of wine! go buy an expensive new bike for a motivator! book a ski trip! plan a bike tour of Europe! enjoy your husband! have lots of sex!" Anyway, I was reading it on Sunday night and a sentence in it hit me right between the eyes - "if you're lucky enough to have an athletic passion (most people don't), by all means tap into it as a support for your exercise program." Yep. I am lucky enough to have an athletic passion, and close enough to be able to get back there - I am only 9 months away from my last half-marathon and 5 weeks away from my last triathlon for crying out loud! I love to run. I have wanted to run a marathon since I was 29 years old. I don't know if I can, but I am going to explore this. This morning's 2 miles on the treadmill was my first steps towards that.

I will talk with the young woman I asked to help me with this today. We touched base yesterday and she told me that my first assignment was to drink lots of water. I happened to have a liter bottle of water at my side as I got her e-mail, so it made me feel like I was already doing "good". This is a huge ego deflator for me - which is usually a good thing. Why do I NOT want to do things that are good for me?

I put some new music on my iPod this weekend. I was dismayed this morning to find that I am going to delete at least one of the songs after listening to it. I really believe in not filling my head with a bunch of bad stuff - even if it seems like it is just words to a song. So if a song is talking about "laughing all the way to hell" I don't think I really need it. There are other songs to listen to. In this world, I really do have choices and responsibilities.

Rather wordy today, aren't I? Well, I felt all happy after my treadmill experience, and it was such a beautiful morning, I stopped at a trailhead on my way home. I just happened to have my camera with me and I took some photos - including the above. That just might become my new profile photo. Sorry Peter (the other shadow in my current profile photo). The sun was just so perfect and casted such gorgeous shadows this morning.

I better get going. Life is incredibly good when you are a sober woman - I have a feeling it is if you are a sober man too, but I really don't know from personal experience.

13 comments:

kel said...

Love the new pic!

Gin said...

Have a wonderful day and I think the new pic is beautiful.

dAAve said...

I like the new picture too.

Is the song you're deleting a Kanye West tune? He's so spiritual, ya know.

Syd said...

Great stuff. Your words motivated me too.

Mary Christine said...

I really love "heartless," but I have a video by my little heartthrob Mr. Kris Allen, THE American Idol, so I don't need no Kanye.

But no, it isn't a Kanye song I am deleting, he was boycottable in my book for the last 4 years.

Ed G. said...

Seems like you have a nice plan for living. I hope it works out comfortably for you for a while.

...either pic is cool (for different reasons)...

Blessings and aloha...

Enchanted Oak said...

So even when you've been sober a while, the journeys still begin with a single step, eh? Whether it's fitness or sobriety, it all starts with a single glass of water.
Chris A

Scott W said...

It's good being a sober guy, too. I reckon we have to trust each other on that one. But I know some people that can attest to both. ;-)

Anaya said...

I am absolutlely convinced that you can run a marathon. Keep the training up.
Love your blog.

Anonymous said...

'Why do I not want to do things that are good for me?' From my experience we can be self-sabotagers to some degree. Something in my own recovery, (yikes! yet another control issue) I have to keep a daily handle on. Being aware of & admitting it means you are already ahead of the curve. It's like not drinking, daily you must believe you deserve more - because you do! : )

Raechelle said...

It's wonderful that you are getting into fitness! Good for you!There are lots of fitness blog links on my site if you need any tips or motivation (besides expensive gifts and wine...LOL) The way you will feel will really be motivation enough!
And yes drink lots and lots of water! :-)

Scott M. Frey said...

i can relate to the conundrum of why I continue to do things that aren't good for my health...

Pammie said...

Since I will see you next year, I would rather you not be younger, I might not recognize you.