The G Running Diary

I'm Stressin': 10/23/02

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So, a woman at work reminded me of something. What do runners do about stress? They run. And what do writers do about stress? Yes, they write. I haven't been doing enough of either, and I feel bad. Stress often comes from external factors, but it is how you deal with it that determines whether or not you get "stressed out." The signs of stress are there: irregular sleep, bad skin, hair falling out, mood swings. My first reaction is that I need a new job. But, when I think about it, I really like the people I work with, and I do get fulfillment from what I do. So, that's not it.

Instead, I finally got out of bed, put on my running stuff, and went out the front door. It was only 30 minutes, but now I am ready to get dressed and go to work and sit through a board meeting (they really should be called bored meetings). During my run, I noticed the squirrels, and I saw some great flowers in a yard. They looked like giant daisies. Other people were out walking and running. Couples walking and talking, usually older men running. Some friendly grunts of "morning." It was still too early for the kids to be out on their way to school.

On a 30 minute run, I am very much aware that 15 minutes is half way. Now that hardly sounds like it's worth it at all. Fifteen minutes of running? Might as well just jump up and down in place. Why bother with the running shoes? It's worth it. Starting small again is how to get in the habit of regular running. I read an article a few years ago that said 10 minutes of exercise was still worth it--making a significant difference to high blood pressure. Anything is better than nothing. How often did not having a full hour to spend on exercise stop people from exercising at all? It has stopped me a few times. That, and just not wanting to get out of bed. But I feel better already.