“We have a tendency to purchase things with the expectation that they will improve us or cause us to” lose weight, become more active, gain fitness, etc. says Sagal (2018: 35). Unfortunately, is does not work that way … “we cannot impart to ourselves the essence of a thing via an image or symbol of that thing”, cautions Sagal (2018: 35).
“Do not buy anything [at] first”, advises Sagal (2018: 34) “you do have everything you need to begin. If you don’t have sneakers, just grab your most comfortable shoes, or go barefoot on dirt or sand. If you don’t have shorts, get an old pair of jeans and cut off the legs. If anybody judges you for wearing ratty clothes, one of the privileges and benefits of running is leaving people behind” (p. 35).
Gradual
Do not make the rookie mistake by overdoing the start, and injuring yourself; it will only result in having to take time off to recover. “You need to make a gradual start because you’re out of shape”, says Sagal (2018: 40). He advises that “what dissuades most people from any new effort … is the looming specter of failure”. Do not set yourself up for failure by overdoing it when you start. Join your local parkrun and start by walking the 5km every Saturday. Gradually add additional walks during the week, and by starting to run short distances (progression).
Goal
Set an achievable goal. Imagine the desired outcome, not just something vague such as losing weight or getting in shape. Embrace a vivid image, because it has to inspire you through the mundane. When your mind asks you why are you straining your body, the image need to answer. It has to compel you.
Group
Extroverts like to interact. Introvert not necessary. Seeking group support is not really about interaction. Instead, it is about encouragement and support. It requires effort after a long day to go walking or running. It requires a lot of will power to go out when it is raining, windy, still dark or nearly dark, when it is cold, or getting out of bed when it is still early. Knowing someone (or others) are waiting; not wanting to disappoint them; serves a motivator. Furthermore, as Sagal (2018: 46) puts it “like most burdens, sharing this one makes it lighter”. Apart from parkrun and later myRUN, I registered (and paid upfront) for lots of organised events. There had never been a need to mingle, or chit chat. However, I had to be at a particular point and a particular time. I followed a marked route, with others ahead and behind. I completed my event and got my results. Compared how I did with like-aged individuals. But most of all, I looked for my personal gradual improvements.
Sagal (2018: 45) assures that “you do not have to worry about being sweaty, smelly, farting, burping, vomiting, or the occasional gastrointestinal distress”. After all, it “is a run. Everybody is smelly, sweaty, farting, or something even more extreme. If you do not occasionally involuntarily expel something from your body while running, you’re doing it wrong”. He adds, “you do not have to worry about how you look. Running is the sport equivalent of a nudist camp. We simply accept each other as we are, for in any other direction lies madness”. [It is really unnecessary for foundation and make-up at 07h00 in the morning, when about to start running; which I have on occasion observed.]
Sagal, P. 2018. The Incomplete Book of Running. New York: Simon & Schuster.
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Incomplete-Book-of-Running/Peter-Sagal/9781451696240
Comments