Habit

"Habit is our only comfort. We dislike doing without even those unpleasant things to which we have become accustomed."      ---   Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832)

It is well known that people who have lived in prison for decades seldom want to be released.Equally ovservable is the fact that people who have exercised regularly for decades do not wish to cease, and those who have ceased for months do not wish to resume, or at least, become sluggish in doing so.

Each year the Pike's Peak marathon attracts hundreds of enthusiastic participants. They run thirteen miles to the top, and thirteen back down. A good friend of mine decided to run to the top only, doing a half marathon. (I think I would have chosen to do the half marathon starting at the top.) 

As he neared the top, he sat down on a boulder to take a break, exhausted. A few minutes later, quite by chance,  a friend of his came running by. He said to my friend "if you don't get up and get moving soon, you never will."  Realizing the truth of this, my friend promptly got up and got going. He told me that when he arrived at the top, he started crying. He just couldn't help it.

Currently my mother and I are in a similar state. She's 91 years old. I don't have an excuse. Her spring allergies are making her feel sluggish, and she has for several weeks stayed away from her aquacise class at the local YMCA swimming pool. The other ladies are starting to wonder where she went. Recently her strength and energy have been returning - but still, no return to the pool. I sense that she has become content with her exercise free life. 

Eight months ago I badly strained a hamstring while running. After a 25 year running career, I have been inactive since last summer. Recently, however, the hammy has improved, and I can put in time on my stationary bike without pain. But, day after day, the bike beckons, and I turn away. Will I ever run again? Will I ever do anything for exerise again?  Stay tuned.

I just hope I beat my mother back to the gym, and that when I do, I don't cry.

Please scroll down for the other articles in today's issue of The Truthless Reconciler.Thanks!