I think it would have been easier to get fit if I didn’t remember how I used to be. Then everything would be a fabulous achievement.It would also be more helpful if I was not the consummate overachiever.
But neither of the above is the case.I do remember. Oh I remember. And of course my memory has got rid of the sweat, frustration and pain. I just remember going for long runs that would last for miles and miles. I remember Chris and I getting up one day and dpoing a half marathon, just because. I remember running, and running, up and down the Sheffield inclines. And it was great and I was great. I can almost hear the soundtrack.
So now when I run, and I am staggering around and I don’t have quite the mental focus that I once possessed, I get disillusioned. When I realised that I have just walked the stretch I planned on running…. I am not impressed.
But hey those days were Jo B.C – Jo Before Children. So it doesn’t matter, its a new day, a new phase. I have more valuable things to focus on.
And then I go hang out with with one of my friends, total health freak, and physiotherapist ( US – read physical therapist). And we are just shooting the breeze and I am saying how you know I am getting fit again, but I am not where I used to be its OK, etc, and I can’t expect to have the “Jo B.C” body and that’s fine and all that…”Of course you can” she interrupts.You can?
“Yes – obviously its harder work and will take more time, but there’s absolutely reason why you can’t weigh what you did before….”
I heard nothing else. All I can see before me is a gauntlet laid down on the ground. At my feet. And its smilling and winking at me. I can’t help but smile back. It would be rude not to.
There are some things you probably shouldn’t say to a recovering overachiever.
