Back in the day, running was by far my most favored way to maintain a level of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual fitness. Would just start, head out in some direction and turn back around when I thought it right. Early evening was so peaceful.
God I miss that.
When I got back on the bike, I tended to follow the same map. Just go. From a a joy standpoint, cycling was a close second, provided dogs remained on their leashes and cars acknowledged my presence.
But running was by far my favorite way to escape.
As the residue of my football days began to materialize and eventually solidify, pushing a lawn mower, raking the yard and shoveling snow became outlets similar to running. Maybe not entirely from a physical sense. But provided an abundance of mental, emotional and spiritual release and gratification if only on a seasonal basis.
To fill in the voids, there are sojourns to PF for some bike time, then “pushing” one day and “pulling” the next, to test and rest appropriate muscle groups. All told, wrapped up in about 90 minutes.
Not quite a run.
And as time passes, pushing the mower may have to exit stage left. Perhaps a Uranium Pu-39 Knee Modulator is in my future. Not sure that running will be allowed ever again by Dr. Orthopod. But if the walks can begin to regrow, perhaps I can find a way back to that place where my head, heart and soul traveled to during those runs I took long ago.
Never in any particular direction.
But just because.
...my temporary assignment. 