Joy in mechanical movement

Once upon a time I used to be a runner. I began running my third year of college, but only because I had to (long story). However, after a few months of daily runs I found that I actually liked the activity. I continued running into my senior year of college;
then not out of obligation, but from a place of enjoyment.

After graduation I ran a few races, then when I was 24 years old I trained for
(and completed) a marathon. (It was incredible.) I loved the feeling I got about 15 minutes into a run – after I found my groove, hit my stride, and began feeling the endorphins buzz in my body. (That is no myth, my friends; endorphins rock.) When I was 25 years old I began training for a second marathon; but I got injured (right knee) and was given a choice: I could continue running but likely face knee-replacement surgery in 10 years,
or I could stop running and probably avoid surgery for the rest of my natural life.
I chose the latter.

So, at 26 years old, I stopped the jarring act of running, and transitioned to its gentler cousin – walking. And while the change was quite sad at the time, I have come to appreciate – and now truly enjoy – walking.

Where I live, winter is very cold, snowy, and long. While I might be able to wear lots of layers to protect my body from the cold (though, on days when the temperature hits
10 degree [F] {and below}, even lots of clothes can’t keep out the cold for very long), once the snow and ice begin to pile up, it simply is no longer safe to be outside amid the slippery, wet elements. So, once the first “real” snowfall lands, I take my walking inside, and cozy up to the treadmill in our basement.

We have had a treadmill for about 10 years now, ever since I transitioned from running to walking. I use it nearly every single day from October/November through March/April;
it has been very good to me. Alas, nothing lasts forever – and over the past month or so the treadmill has been acting up. Last weekend, I hit my breaking point with the machine, and my sweetie and I purchased a new treadmill – which was delivered two days ago,
and which I got to break in today.

This afternoon, I slipped on a new pair of athletic sneakers, stepped on the new machine – and felt an extra-delightful spring in my step (no doubt a result of the fresh padding in my new shoes, and the increased buoyancy of the new treadmill belt). Walking today felt extra-good; I’m very pleased with (and very grateful for) this new addition to the basement.

Yay health! As one of my yoga teachers say, “Motion is lotion.”

And if anyone wants an old treadmill, it’s free for the taking; all you have to do is haul it from my house.  🙂

Stef