Stay True

This is the beginning of my running blog. Moreover, it is the continuation of my blog that is an assignment for my class on the intersection of autobiography and Internet media studies. For some background, random diatribes, and thoughts on the assignment thus far, go here.

My goal for this blog is to write about my experience trying to become that asshole who runs every day. I have spent the last five years getting into better health, having lost 65 pounds at my best. This was achieved primarily through dietary reform though, not the addition of physical exercise.

I am not very good at running, because I have a problem with my feet that leads to me getting no shock absorption. I’m also not good about wearing my orthodics. In fact, today I realized it’s been so long since I’ve seen them that I do not know where they are anymore. More on this later. You know, background details, health concerns, diet, etc.

Today I started by getting “serious” and buying some Nike shorts and some vaguely fancy socks to start running in. I am using a pair of New Balance cross-trainers otherwise, and thus far my Mishka windbreaker because it has a chest pocket that fits my iPod, though it’s probably far too expensive and fashion-purposed to be running in. Anyways, there’s nothing like accumulating commitments like starting a blog and expensive workout shorts to convince yourself that you’re actually going to do something.

Today I ran to my voting station (and voted Liberal – Canadian here – for the first time ever) and then ran to the bank to deposit a cheque (wish I was unable to do because I forgot wallet). I then ran home. This was a pretty fair distance, and largely I found myself not having to stop, except for things like very busy streets with long lights that made me feel ridiculous “jogging on the spot”. It was about 30 minutes of running/voting/being forgetful, and distance-wise maybe, shit I don’t know…from what I can tell from some very haphazard google maps finger scaling, about 2 kilometers. Some elevation changes, one fairly steep hill.

By the end I was breathing like someone going into anaphylactic shock.

Albums bumped while running: A-Trak’s Dirty South Dance, LCD Soundsystem’s Sounds of Silver.

Stay true.