Almost a year ago, while sitting in a seminar to become a certified running coach, the instructor asked this question: "How much time do you have to have in order for it to be worth the effort of running?" The answers around the class wouldn't surprise you. Some said 30 minutes. Some said 45 minutes or even an hour. Some took a different tack - 3 miles, 5 miles. You get the picture. My response was a little different....10 minutes.
So many people find it hard to exercise because they feel that if they can't set aside that magic 45-60 minutes, then they may as well not bother. I say bull honky. That's the type of propoganda that causes people to shy away from making any effort at physical fitness. Rather, we should encourage those around us to take whatever time they can find - even five or ten minutes - to invest in themselves.
Keeping that in mind, I was running short on time tonight and knew I wasn't going to get in the 3-5 miles I had originally planned for the day (we'll thank the husband for coming home late). Part of my brain was telling me to just forget it the workout, but that part didn't win. I snuck in a 2 mile run before heading to see a friend and felt much better for having many the effort - regardless of how modest.
I hope the lesson I can share with my kids is that it's always worth it. Your physical well-being (or at least mine) is directly connected to emotional health. No wonder taking a quick walk around the block can change your attitude. I hope more people see it that way. Happy trails!!!
Stats -
Miles: 2
Time: 20:06 (10:03 minutes per mile)
Location: Greater Annapolis Y
Feeling: the couple days off made a real difference for my back
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