I took most of the last year off from any form of exercise. There were a number of factors involved in this decision, if you can call it that, but I’m slowly reclaiming my fitness after a year of letting it slide.

I’m not running. I honestly don’t know if I’m going to run again. There’s a part of me that misses trail running, specifically the joy of covering a long distance in relatively little time, and that’s probably what’s going to bring me back to it.

For right now, though, I’m focused on hiking and walking, forming habits, and remembering the things I love about all of this. Which is the point behind this post: reminding myself of the things I love about being outside and being fit.

What I love:

  • I love woods roads. Some places call them carriage roads, dirt roads, or simply forest tracks. To me, they’ve always been a doorway into the mystical. Single track trails are great, don’t get me wrong, but there’s something magical about a wide corridor through an otherwise trackless wilderness.
  • I love sharing my love of the outdoors with other people. I lost sight of this, and I’m working hard to bring this back.
  • I love sharing my love of fitness. There was a point in my life when I thought I was going to be a Tae Kwon Do or self-defense instructor as my full-time job. I don’t think that’s feasible at this point, but I can at least acknowledge it, and decide what I’m going to do next.

What I don’t love:

  • Running on the side of the road. If anything was a deal-breaker with road running, it’s this. The slope of the road is enough that your feet or legs end up sore from the difference in height between where your feet are hitting. Also, you can easily end up in situations where you don’t much distance from traffic, and that kills any joy that I might have been experiencing. I’m looking at you, Ragnar.
  • The endless slog. I know it isn’t always going to be easy, or fun, but I pushed myself way past the point where the suffering was worth it.
  • Comparing myself to others. I’m naturally competitive, but it’s way too easy for me to go from healthy competition to crushing depression because what I think is possible in my head simply isn’t possible with my current fitness.

So, for now, I’m trying to focus on what I love, and establish a routine that’s sustainable and enjoyable, while generating a higher level of fitness. That’s this year’s #missionstatement.

Until next time, be excellent to each other.