On my blissful morning walk, I gazed at a young runner and thought wistfully, that used to be me. Young. And able to run. Don’t get me wrong, if the house were on fire (heaven forbid) or I wanted to beat the crowd to get to the front of the line at Sprinkles Cupcakes, I could run. Though, I might hurt myself. So why bother?
I can’t really remember when I gave it up, though I’m sure it was sometime in the 1900s. Back then I didn’t carry so much stuff when I ran. Now I practically need a tool belt to hold the water bottle, iPhone, iPod, Kleenex and lite snack for my daily hour long walk. You can see why running just doesn’t make sense.
Here are more reasons why I choose to walk instead of jog:
1. Ouch. (See 2-4 for more details).
2. All that pounding on the pavement hurts my lower back. I can just tell the fluid in the spaces between the vertebrae have dried up for good. It feels like bone on bone (I swear I can hear the grinding). All of which I’m convinced will make me start to shrink faster than nature intended.
3. My knee hurts. It’s more of a stabbing pain. And one of these days that knee is going to give out on that little sprint to grab the phone, so I’m not about to risk it running around the block.
4. My feet hurt too. I really think years of wearing heels have ruined them. As I’m getting older, wearing high heels for even just an hour and then jogging is a pain like no other. Any chance sensible shoes are sexy?
5. Running makes it difficult to multitask (text, read/write emails, check my Facebook status, make marketing list).
6. It’s tough to have a phone conversation on your cell when you’re huffing and puffing. It gets embarrassing when people start to wonder what you’re doing.
7. I’ll start to sweat. I ask myself, “Is this worth having to wash and blow-dry this big head of hair?!” Never forget your hair. Never.
8. Did I mention “Ouch”? (Please refer back to 2-4).
Do you prefer to walk or run? Do you find your self saying, “What the heck, lets drive instead!”
I love walking-I usually take my dog too. Pressure free and can do it anywhere. I only run to the bathroom LOL
I gave up distance running years ago. I do sprints on the treadmill now instead, but yeah, distance running is a thing of the past for these old joints.
I gave up running as well for all those reasons, and replaced it with brisk walks in my hilly neighborhood. Not the same intensity, but it’s the best I can do.
I am definitely a walker. I haven’t been a runner in years – and even then, I wasn’t a runner for long. I never really liked it. I like a brisk walk with some tunes. It’s perfect for me (and my hair.) Loved #7. 🙂
I took up running once because everyone was talking about how wonderful they felt when they did it. I went at it religiously and I kept waiting for the wonderful feeling to arrive. It never did. I’m more of a walker now. Or I was. Until my dog died. Now I have to reason to walk. Do it just for the exercise? Huh?
I agree. I was never a fan of jogging, but Soul Cycle spin class has forever changed my life! You should give it a shot. Life-changing!
Soul Cycle is fun and a serious workout. I only go if someone drags me there. Mini-Me is coming into town next week. Maybe we’ll see you there 🙂
I was never a jogger – always hated it. And how come no one mentioned the fact that all that bouncing is no good for a mommy who has birthed three kids? I could do kegels all day long and it’s still a damn good chance I’m gonna wet my pants!! I’m sticking to tennis — still lots of running, but plenty of time to go to the bathroom between sets. 🙂
Definitely a walker. Love the tool belt idea. You’re right.
Really was never much of a runner – bad knees. Then a ski accident in which I broke my back compounded the reasons for not running. And I’m with Oh Boy Mom – the whole weak bladder thing stops me if the first 2 didn’t. But on the positive side, I love my walks, sunshine, rain, fresh air and music in my ears.
I’ve never been a good runner. Though… I want to be. Sorta. hmm I think I just lie to myself and say I want to be a runner. Good runners look good. And then there’s that whole runners high… but when you’re a chunk all of that is what you’re working towards and having your wobbly bits flap all around you is not fun, or cute, and certainly doesn’t look for feel good. For me anyway. So I don’t do it. I just talk about it. And usually stick to walking with bits of sprints here or there when I’m absolutely sure no one is looking. 😉 I think this has inspired a post.