9 Things Jogging and Writing Have in Common

I’ve never jogged before – I’ve always been a walker. You know the type. I put on my ear buds and causally walk around the neighborhood taking it all in. I may or may not break a sweat.

But now that I’m older, what once worked and kept everything in shape, (or close to it), doesn’t. My husband, being the coach he is, decided to take me under his wing and get me into shape. His workout regiment included jogging and weight lifting. I was so intimidated! I shuttered at the thought of either one. He reassured me there was nothing to fear and that after I mastered those two, we were going to add biking, swimming, and hiking.

I fainted at the very thought.

It’s not that I’ve never exercised before. I enjoy aerobics and the elliptical machine ~ Loved the elliptical machine because of the perks of watching tv while working all that unwanted weight off. Add the big plus that I’m securely tucked away in the confines of my home, behind closed doors, no on-lookers, no jeerers, no judgement, no pressure.

I feel like that with writing sometimes. As I progress in my writing adventure, it gets a little harder, there’s a little more pressure, people may, (big gasp), actually see what I write and Not like it.

That’s really what’s bothering me about this new exercise regiment. I’m afraid.

Fear is telling me all kinds of things.

“You can’t do this.”

“You’re too old to start something new.”

“You’re embarrassing yourself.”

“People will talk about you.”

“Everyone’s looking at you and judging you.”

“All this work really isn’t going to pay off.”

“It’s better to stick with something you know.”

“You don’t have what it takes.”

With my husband’s help, I’ve set short and long term goals. We track my progress at certain intervals and readjust the workout program to specifically fit my abilities while maximizing the time spent. Each week, new goals are added while accomplishments are celebrated.

Goal Setting

Week 1 – Goal – Jog 1 mile
Interval – Jog 1 mile without stopping. (Took a few days before I could jog 1 mile without taking several breathers)
Interval – Pick up Pace (What took 30 minutes the first day, (no laughing please), only takes 15 now.)

The first day I started, it was all I could do to keep my focus. I wanted to stop, try something different. I didn’t plan on it being so hard!

I would set my sights on one streetlight, then a mailbox, and the next stop sign. As I got closer to each object, I would forget what was behind and refocus on what was ahead. For the first week, this is how I got through each mile. Forget talking and carrying on a conversation, I was doing good to breathe.

I found that I gained strength from my husband’s continual encouragement.

Take Away

“Find a pace that’s comfortable to you.”

“Don’t worry about what other people are doing.”

“Keep your focus.”

“You’re doing great, you’re almost there.”

“Halfway – if you made it this far, you can make it back.”

“I’m so proud of you!”

As I stumbled-walked-jogged the first week, I felt like I weighed a ton. The time seemed to drag on and the stretch of road seemed to never end. BUT… the next week ~ not so bad. AND… now, I feel lighter, the time passes quickly, I’ve decided to increase my distance (I’m up to 2 miles)… only in a few weeks.

It took commitment, sacrifice, and accountability. But it’s so worth the results.

So what does all this have to do with writing?

Everything ~ all the same principals apply.