Broken Routine

I had exercised consistently before the gyms closed due to the Governor’s stay-at-home orders. But I know that part of building a routine includes modifying that when needed. And I needed to keep exercising.  

But gyms have been closed as most indoor activities for weeks now. Also, the shift to online classes for members hadn’t started yet. So, I went back to running as a way to work out.

So, this morning I went running.

Process Helps Routine

It was a process to get myself out of that door and run. I had placed so many roadblocks in my way. I did not get up early enough to exercise. And when the walk was over with my dog around the lake, I was already thinking about not running.

I had almost convinced myself not to go, that I needed to get started with my writing, etc. So I pushed those thoughts out of my mind.

When I got home from the walk, and did not allow myself to stop. I knew that if I sat and started writing, my momentum would be gone, replaced by the more sedentary part of my day.

Building A Routine

One of the few things I remember from high school physics is that objects in motion tend to stay in motion. I am sure there is more to that concept, but that part stayed with me all these years.

I decided to use my walking-the-dog momentum to get outside and go running. I did not talk myself out of it. Instead, I put on my running clothes and headed out.

Off Course

I was only planning for one or two miles. I was doing well until I got lost. Somewhere in the confusion of the streets of Columbia, I wasn’t sure where I was.

For those that haven’t been to Columbia, the joke when I bought my house was to get the secret map. Columbia feels like you are in the middle of a park. Which is great, except it can be hard to navigate.

It is more confusing once you leave the roadways and run along the pathways. Today I went down a path that I had never gone on before. I wasn’t trying to forge a new route. I was trying to avoid people.

Routine of Getting Lost

Getting lost had more to do with running in a different place than being lost. My running paths are part of a routine I built years ago. I don’t usually diverge from those routes.

I ended up back in familiar territory. I realized that I had already run farther than I had initially planned. I only had a quarter of a mile more to get to three miles, yet I was so close to home.

I can’t stop short of a whole number (don’t ask). So, I ran past my house until I heard the watch beep indicating that I had hit three miles. I did it!