Hard to Start

Some days it is hard to put on shorts and runners and head out the door. Today I wanted to run 15K, well, actually, my schedule told me to run it. I didn’t feel like heading out the door. I got up late because I have to work tonight, had a couple of large glasses of water to hydrate, two espressos because coffee is supposed to be good for endurance and Honey Nut Cheerios for carbohydrates, my typical pre-run breakfast. Eventually I left the comfort of home and started towards Sumas Prairie and the aroma of dairy farms. Every 3K I drink 125 ml of either water or Gatorade to keep my fluid and carb levels up – today I was thirsty long before 3K, which I shouldn’t have been since the temperature is only about 4 C and I wasn’t sweating yet.
As I was running I thought of my friend with cancer, today is his day for the big chemo treatment. So big that he spends a night in hospital to recover from it. So bad that they give him a whole bunch of IV fluid before and after treatment to combat dehydration. I’m sure it’s hard for him to start that too. I’m guessing he probably didn’t want to get out of bed and leave the house this morning. He probably didn’t like having another needle in his arm knowing that the chemicals that are supposed to make him well will make him sick before he gets better. I prayed for his nurse to be able to find a healthy vein and hit it first try. I prayed for the chemicals to do their work and kill any cancer that is in his system. I prayed for the nausea not to be too bad.
I also wondered about what things I am reluctant to start that would be good for me. My running helps my heart and body. However, what am I doing for my mind and spirit? In September, I decided to start fasting once a month – September 3o, October 30 and November 29 because I kept putting it off. This month I planned ahead – I didn’t want to fast on New Years eve! I wonder though, what else could I add to my disciplines of running and fasting, that would make me a healthier person?
When I got home, I found my second glass of water right where I left it – beside the sink. I was going to drink it while I mixed my Gatorade and obviously forgot. The good news about it – I didn’t need to find a blackberry bush out on the prairie to hide behind and relieve myself.