Joggity Jog Jog Jogging

Each and every one of us knows internally what we ought to be doing in order to get the most out of life. By that I mean the energy, passion and enthusiasm that comes along with being fit, healthy and happy.

Not only do I have a couple of extra pounds I'd like to see gone - my Border Collie is a working breed of dog and as such needs regular, daily exercise in order to spend the energy reserves that he builds up - otherwise what was the point again in getting a Border Collie? It makes me a little sick to even think about the dogs out there that are chained up and only ever get to see the inside of a property, rather than the big beautiful world out there!

The past week has seen 5 jogs, each of them were great. I did the big 11km into Papakura and through Kirks Bush whilst heading back home. Good to let Ollie off leash and allow him the freedom to explore a little ahead of me. I have developed a lot of trust in that dog that he wont become distracted and allow himself to veer off in the direction of other dogs, cats etc.

We had hit up around 6km when I started to feel a bit guilty for Ollie so we stopped by his Grand-parents house and let him gulp back some water before heading off on our 3km end leg of our journey. Stopping by the creek is always a treat for him, I cant begin to imagine what it must be like for a dog after 8km of running - he does so well and the dip is a very good reward for him. That and the due praise I mount on him every time he does well in keeping up. Mount was an interesting choice of word there I notice; perhaps not the best to use but you get the picture; and hopefully not a gross one.

Running - jogging, walking. Do it today because it gives you something just that little bit better than the effects of a few drinks; your designer recreational drugs. It allows yourself to produce your own natural, real drugs and gives you that immense feeling of joy, accomplishment and personal strength. For me it happens after the 2.5km mark, the struggle goes away and the endorphine release kicks in - that feeling is why I love jogging so much.

If you are thinking about taking your first steps since forever, my sincerest advice is to fight the mongrel part of your brain that says no and just do it! Force yourself, feel the pain of those initial steps and just push on through. Before you know it the beads of sweat will pour down your forid, your breathing will deepen and at some point you will get the smallest shiver - bang, you just hit your sweet spot. Thats when you keep on going and thats indeed when it starts to feel real, real good.

Nothing makes me feel this good; and of course proud when you see your puppy tuckered out and basking in twilight on the porch after a really good jogging session.

Good jogging Mr. Slick!