via @ RunKeeper.com

The chart above is from RunKeeper. An app I have been using over the past three years to keep track of my workouts.

July was a good month for me. I spent a lot of time focusing on getting back into shape. Finally, my foundation is set. I can run 3-5 miles. It’s a good feeling. My focus on fitness is not new but reinvigorated.

Why Now?

I just feel it is time. I need to ensure that I take care of myself. I am optimistic about the future. And the best way to take advantage of the opportunities I see is to be healthy. So the real question is why not? I have the time and it does not take that much effort. The hardest part was the start.

Why Running?

So, this is actually an illuminating answer.

[Tweet “Because I hate it. And because running is hard.”]

I know not good reasons on the surface, but when you dig deeper it makes sense. There are a lot of things I do becuase they are easy. BUT I never feel that sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. My choice of running is becuase I can win at it. Running is a personal journey and no one can do it for me. My choice is because the only one who wins or loses is me. And I decide everything about it.

I know … that is a lot of thought about running. But at the end of the day. My choices matter.

What’s the goal?

Good question. Maybe next month I’ll have a long-term goal. Right now it’s just RUN.

Lessons Learned

Don’t stop running. Restarting after a few weeks off is Hard. And not in the good way of picking running as my activity. My body does not adjust well to starts and stops. I crave consistency.