Training Day 1

Today was the first day of training. After many years of inactivity, I finally got off my butt and started to exercise. To be honest, I was having my usual debate with myself about why today wasn’t a good day to start; it was very windy, slightly cold, maybe I should wait until tomorrow, the slight pain I was feeling in my right heel and ankle might be a sign to postpone… You know the drill. I’m sure, like me, you have had these conversations with yourself (I hope, otherwise I may have bigger issues). Well, today while the angel and demon me were having this debate, each one making very good arguments for his case, I quietly started to dress up for the outdoors, trying very hard not to listen to the ongoing conversation. I put on my tracksuit pants, my old (2010) Adidas running shoe. I have always preferred a shoe that gives me more support, like a thicker sole especially at the heel. As I’m tying the laces I hear the angel me saying; “If he don’t start today, you know he’s never going to start. We’ve been through this before you know.” He was right of course, I have had so many false starts and postponements that I have almost given up on even attempting today. I drown out the arguments again as I avoid my reflection in the mirror (don’t really need that sight to discourage me now).

I open the front door and after locking everything up behind me (this is Cape Town), I set off with a sense of excitement and a bit of pride for making it out on to the road eventually. The wind is blowing and the streets are busy as people were starting to make their way to taxis and train stations on their way to work. I tried to slip into the normal morning activity as unobtrusively as I possibly could. I felt good.

I walked briskly although without getting carried away. I have read the aim should be to get the heart pumping. My aim was to follow a run/walk training strategy. For today and probably the next 2 months, it will be much more running than walking, but I would be very happy with that. I ran for about 20 meters on 3 occasions today and enjoyed it, but I was very aware of the strain of years of inactivity and my overweight body on my legs and feet.

In terms of my training session, it was an uneventful day, albeit a very satisfying one. I had one interesting (read “crap”) experience along the way though; on one of my little 20 meter runs, my phone fell out of my pocket and I did not notice it. At my turn around point, I reached into my pocket to check how long I’ve been walking, only to find my phone gone. Panic ensued of course, followed by praying and looking around frantically. I had walked past 2 or 3 people on the way, so any one of them could have picked it up. Anyway, to my surprise and joy I spotted my phone, lying in the road about 30 meters ahead of me looking unharmed. Unfortunately, as I rushed onwards, I car beat me to it and ran over it with both the left front and back wheel. Needless to say, my phone is no more…Why I brought it with me I have no idea. Damn!!! We get so attached to these things don’t we? I mean, how did we ever manage without them? Lol. I guess I’m about to find out, cause there’s no way I can afford a new one anytime soon.

Please check in now and then with some advice, encouragement or just to say “hi” and see how I’m doing on this journey to Comrades Marathon 2014.