Take it easy. Also? Holy crap!

Such is my response to my first real exercise in (gulp) months.

"Take it easy" is one of those catch phrases from AA, a group with which I am uncomfortably familiar. I have found this phrase's simplicity and applicability to many aspects of my life comforting. I say it to myself when I'm getting carried away by something or another, which I am prone to do all too often. This time, jumping rope interspersed with a series of calisthenics. While it felt good, it was also excruciatingly disheartening to come face to face with how out of shape I really am. Hence, take it easy. I can't expect to just bounce right back after such a long hiatus - it's impossible, and if I expect it of myself, I'm just encouraging failure. So take it easy. One day at a time. And yes, I know that one's from AA too! These little mantras can be oddly helpful. Anyhow, we'll call this DAY ONE - THE RETURN OF EXERCISE!

"Holy crap!" This one is easy - I can't believe the things I used to do with relative ease. Running miles and miles, climbing mountain after mountain, running stairs for hours, pushing and punishing my body over and over again, and loving/hating/loving every minute of it. I didn't need alcohol or relationships or food or anything else - just me and my body and the workout. How I was in love with it! And how I really do miss it. I want it back. And now, for some small goals - I need to keep them reasonable for now. The craziness can come later, when I'm fit again.

Three goals, in no particular order: 1. exercise every day, even if it's only going for a walk and doing some abs and push-ups. Every day! 2. get back to the gym starting tomorrow; go there at least 3 times/week - school will prevent much more than that for now, but 3 times is good. 3. get back in the pool one month from today.

There. I feel good. Until the morrow, b'bye.