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Running, Hiking and Enjoying Sports
Back in 1998, when I was recovering from the loss of my mother, a job and pretty much the end of one chapter in my life, there was one person in my new job who really enjoyed my work and encouraged me to continue, especially when it was quite a learning experience. At Christmas, she told me to others that I was quite a “renaissance man.” She not only was my co-worker, she became my friend.
I admit that I am into a lot of things. I have many interests. Other than working in credit and collections (and recently operate a corporate office mailroom), I love to be active. One can’t just sit around and look at the four walls during down time. That’s why I run, hike, bicycle and take pictures. I have just resumed swimming and re-learning that. I am fortunate that I am close to an Olympic size swimming pool and I have been trying to lap swim. I’m getting better than the first time I began this year (2008). I used to swim a lot when I was young. But when I moved away from my childhood home in 1988, I couldn’t take the swimming pool with me.
My current participating sport is running. My favorite sport to watch is ice hockey. I used to like football a lot. But there are times when football has a lot of down time (no pun intended) and sometimes the hype isn’t there and can easily become a dull game. But a puck and stick on the ice and a bunch of men (or women, since it is growing in popularity among women) skating around and following the quick action. You really have to be alert and watch all angles. Otherwise, you will miss something.
I don’t mind watching a baseball game. I’ve attended many a baseball game during the last 10 years, whether it is minor league or even the Cardinals. In high school, I used to not like basketball. But that was a personal matter between me and someone who isn’t around anymore. I’ve grown quite fond of watching the 2007-08 St. Charles West High basketball team as they made their way to Columbia to the state championship, only to lose in the second half because they were tired and worn out. They gave it their all. It is always fun to watch organized sports. But it’s even better to be a participant. Back in the early 1990s, I was quite the aggressive volleyball player. I would be all over the floor and there were times I collided with the floor, struck a wall, the net, you name it. But with my left shoulder being in bad shape, I don’t play volleyball anymore. I did mention that I like running. It’s great to be out there in the open air, whether it is the city or out in the country and take some distance while looking at the scenery. No matter what the weather, it’s always good to be outside and appreciating nature. What’s also better is that running is not much of a contact sport. It doesn’t require combat with another human being. But if you aren’t careful and aren’t watching what you’re doing, you could strike pavement, a tree, get struck by a car (hope that will never happen) or you aren’t watching what you are doing and get struck by a sign post or a street light post.
There have been times where I have run and caught the raised end of a seam and have fallen on the sidewalk. That happened to me in the first mile of a Saturday morning run and I didn’t realize I was trailing blood from the fall until a mile further, when someone noticed. Luckily the tights I was wearing weren’t damaged. But I skinned my knee pretty bad. It got better afterwards. But it was rather a stinger and I was afraid that I could have hurt my knee internally. That wasn’t the case. There’s nothing wrong with taking a good hike in the woods. I mention on another page the great Katy Trail and you can hike pretty well along that route. But there’s nothing better than going into the woods, following a trail and seeing nature. We’re talking more about hiking, not running. Running through the woods isn’t a bad thing. But one has to be careful. There are a number of obstacles and the footing can be treacherous. Carrying a backpack isn’t bad, especially if you’re going out there for prolonged excursions. Make sure you pack the essentials.
Finally, respect the wildlife. There was one time where I was in one of Missouri’s fine state parks and I found two does and their “children” out grazing. The best thing I did was to stay quiet and watch what they are doing. A frightened animal can become one that’s defensive and a human being can get hurt, even if you are trying to escape danger. Just stop, be quiet and watch.
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