A sneak(er) attack: Rallying motivation

Exercise.

It’s a word for which I have several strong feelings, the primary one being hatred. I’ve never quite liked it and it’s not something I do for a hobby. I’m not a big fan of working out and the only type of exercise I typically enjoy is leisurely walking.

Yes, my views of exercise are somewhat extreme. But believe it or not, there is one word out there that invokes even stronger feelings of animosity: Running.

If I’m playing tag with my nieces or racing across a tennis court to get to a difficult shot, the activity doesn’t bother me. It’s the running-simply-to-run concept that I absolutely can’t grasp.

To all those out there who say running provides an amazing natural high, don’t be alarmed by the looks on the faces of us less active folks as you’re talking to us — we’re simply trying to determine how many drinks you’ve just had.

While I am not a runner by any means, I have to admit I gave the activity a chance this week because I need to start preparing for an event I managed to get myself roped into.

Red Wing Police Chief Tim Sletten has unbelievable powers of persuasion, and I recently fell into his trap for the second time this year.

Back in February, he convinced me to jump into an icy lake to raise money for Special Olympics Minnesota. While the chance to help out a great organization contributed in part to why I agreed, Tim’s coaxing was largely what got me on board.

More recently, he and I were talking about the River City Ramble that Red Wing hosts every summer. I mentioned the lack of running I do and he admitted he used to be the same way. But, he said, he’s gotten into the activity more in recent years and frequently goes for jogs with his dog, Morgan.

Tim has a unique way of talking in situations like this. Not bad, just unique, and that’s why I think he continually gets me to agree to things. While he’s pointing out the benefits of running and explaining how it really isn’t bad once you get used to it, the words sound very encouraging.

It’s his tone, however, that distracts me and gives the encouragement a hint of trickery. That very tone is the same I noticed in his voice several months back when Tim brought up the Polar Plunge. As he continued to talk and the tone continued to wear me down, he eventually said what I had been afraid to hear the entire time: I challenge you.

How am I supposed to say no to that? You don’t turn down a challenge to run from an “old man” — his words, not mine — when you’re a healthy 22-year-old.

Then again, healthy may not be the best term to describe me.

I used to think being out of shape was equivalent to being overweight, but I’ve recently realized that isn’t the case. Just because I’m average size does not automatically mean I’m in decent shape. In fact, I’m pretty sure I haven’t been healthy enough to qualify for that title since the summer before 10th grade when I played tennis every day. For those who are wondering, that was a good six years ago.

My recent realization of my ridiculously poor health stems from a simple jog I took Sunday night with my boyfriend, Ryan.

God knows why, but he works out on a regular basis and loves to run. Thankfully his passion for it has given me a bit of motivation.

We took to the streets the other night and I was instantly reminded of why I hate running. There’s just something about that chest pressure, stomach pain and muscle aching that keeps me from jumping for joy.

I’m not going to say how far we actually ran, because frankly it’s nothing to be proud of.

But I will admit that about an hour after we finished — and my ability to breathe returned — I felt good about myself. I suddenly saw why people enjoy activities like that.

Although it’s going to be difficult and it will take a lot of adjusting for me to get accustomed to regular running, I have no intention of backing down from Tim’s challenge.

We’ll be at the starting line of the River City Ramble together, and hopefully I’ll be at the finish line first.

Tags: lifestyle, health