On The Benefits of Jogging

I did it. I said at the end of August that I would jog 25 miles in September. Here it is, September 28th, and I just filled in the last two spaces on my jogging log. It is a wonderful feeling. And I think I'm going to do it again in October.

Why? I used to have the idea i my head that maybe I should jog because it would make me skinnier and more attractive to the opposite sex. That never ended being enough incentive, because I don't care a whole lot about what guys think of me. Well, I do, but I'm not willing to drastically change to fit what they think I should look like.

My main reason for beginning a routine was simply because I felt I should be able to. Eric can do 50, so why can't I do 25? and I did, and I've discovered countless benefits.

• I feel better. Improved mood, fewer headaches, fewer of the regular aches.
• I'm eating better. Most junk food kind of grosses me out these days, and I simply find myself eating less in general.
• I'm sleeping better. I don't usually need quite as much sleep as I used to, I'm waking up better, and sleeping more soundly.
  
• I feel good about myself. Forget what other people think of me, I like how I look. Pants are a little looser, the little black dresses look good, and my calves are tighter than they've ever been.
  
• I'm less stressed. During what could have been a very stressful and emotional time, I found better things to do. Jogging has been a great release, and has helped me to see life in a more calm, rational, pragmatic way.
  
• I'm proud of me. I set a goal, and I accomplished it. No wussing out, no giving up. I did it. I'm using the body that God gave me, and not letting it sit and rot. I'm so blessed to be able to do the things I can, and it seems now like such a waste not to be active.

Drawbacks?

• Jogging does take about an hour, from initial changing of clothes to jogging to cool down to shower to getting presentable again. But what would I be doing in that time otherwise? Napping? Sitting on the couch?
• I've been hitting the Advil a little harder than usual, trying to ease some of the charly horses, shin splints, and muscle cramps that have hit my legs.
  

Really, I feel like a person who's just quit smoking and who wants to tell the whole world why they too should quit smoking. It's wonderful.