Jogging for exercise. Nothing like the cool breeze flowing through your hair, a bouquet of summer scents gushing up your nose, scenery rushing by the purr of a finely tuned engine …
OK, this time we went for a car ride in the park. But next time we go jogging.
You just can’t get a more basic, more primitive form of exercise than jogging. Of course, today we no longer run to escape some saber-toothed tiger slobbering on the heel of our Nikes. Now we run for fun.
Ha, ha . . . just joking. But actually there are a number of logical reasons why jogging is so popular today.
One great thing about jogging as a form of exercise is that it’s so darn inexpensive. I am living proof that it is possible to pick up a pair of running shoes on the clearance rack for a measly $29.99.
That is if you happen to wear a size 14EEE and think that the colors turquoise and beige go well together.
Along with shoes, all a runner needs for clothing is a tank top and shorts. In addition to proper jogging clothes, you will want to add some optional items that will officially label you as a serious runner.
Such things as a pair of cool wraparound sunglasses, an iPod full of snappy tunes to pump you up (“Weeeee are the champions my friends”), and a fanny pack with those cute little water bottles.
Now comes the hard part – stepping out the door and putting one foot in front of the other somewhat quickly. This is the juncture where most people falter. For many recreational runners this is their version of “hitting the wall.”
Suddenly, I have to go to the bathroom (again!). Better check my shoelaces one more time. I shouldn’t have eaten that third enchilada for lunch.
But don’t get discouraged. Every baby has to crawl before it can walk, and that’s exactly what you will end up doing – crawling if you jump into this running thing prematurely.
So grab a copy of Runner’s World Magazine, curl up on the couch, and get a vicarious workout. Just be sure to stretch well before you start.
