I’ve started learning to run. Bit by bit, day by day, I’m progressing from walking real fast to actually running up and down the road in front of my house. I won’t tell you the distance because I’d be able to hear the howls of laughter all the way up here in Chicago. And I’m shocked, shocked to realize that all that strenuous cycling I’ve done for years has been leaving out small but significant leg muscle groups that are making their presence painfully known after I run. Ouch.
As a cyclist and an enthusiastic user of bikes for general transportation, I’ve always thought of running as one of those “just get it done” sports. It’s efficient for blasting away pounds, good for bone strength, good for heart health, of course good for mental health, but just a grit-your-teeth sort of affair, like eating fiber or flossing your teeth. I rarely see smiles of beatific joy on runner’s faces (with the exception of Chrissie Wellington crossing the line at Kona). And I often see smiles on the faces of cyclists. I think it’s because cycling is as close to flying as a human can get on the ground under their own steam.
But before I start a big cycling vs. running slugfest, I have to say I’ve been converted or rather I’ve come to embrace both pursuits with equal pleasure. Running is a time to observe what’s going on outside at a more minute level than is possible on a bike. It requires minimum equipment, it’s totally portable when you travel, and it’s probably the most popular outdoor activity for our readership. It’s not going to surplant that special spot the bike has in my heart (Save the World – Ride a Bike!) but it’s certainly not the grim affair I’d once imagined. I think I’m going to enjoy being multi-sported. But don’t start any triathlon talk, now. I’m not that charitable towards cold wet experiences.
All you runners out there, smile. The rest of the world will think you’re on to something good.
