If the current episode is the third one, it is worthwhile to remind the first started in July 2020 and lasted until the end of serious covid restrictions in May 2021, while the second kicked off in spring 2023 and lasted until my lumbar spine immobilised me.
While pulling through from spine-related maladies, it was clear running would be one of the last activities I could return to (of those not prohibited forever). I had three of four attempts in 2025 and with the ominous pain in the wake of each of them I knew it was not yet the moment.
After a few months more of muscle strengthening and stretching, particularly intensive in winter months, I had a try in March 2026 and this time happily the spine did not make itself felt. I actually was brought on by a friend who just set about running, hence on that occasion I've come by a running companion (together somehow one gets tired slowly).
Just as in previous episodes, I have not grown fond of it, but I realise this is the most efficient (least time- and money-consuming) intensive physical exercise.
After the problems with lumbar spine, I began to worry about how fit I would be, when growing old, with apprehensions additionally spurred by looking at my parents, currently in their 70s, who except for long walks, have not done any sport regularly and... are paying a price for this. Since being on the mend in autumn 2024, I have become fixated in staying fit, mentally and physically, as long as possible (especially with a serious risk there will be nobody might look after me at that stage of my life).
With hereditary propensity to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (my mother had it diagnosed at the age of 72, not reached by most patients with that heart disorder), I need to get a medical check-up every three years to find out if my heart is still in proper order. As of now it seems the only risk factor is stressful life and moderate physical exercise should only do me good, but knowing stories of several people whose lifestyle was extraordinarily healthy (note the example of Jacek Magiera, 49-year-old football coach who died suddenly from a cardiac arrest after routine morning running in a park).
Running or getting tired with physical exercise is one if the healthiest methods of venting frustration, getting rid of anger and ventilating the brain after a stressful day. In the world of individualism honed to the limits, millions of people choose to do sports to fill the void. It is definitely better than alcohol, drugs, gambling, video games, porn or other addictions, its effect on the brain is more sustainable and not destructive (does not apply to fight games), yet it only defers the moment humans get confronted with the void. Just like with travels, the bout of endorphins is temporary, yet not confined to a time frame of doing sport. Tiredness past a physical effort also detracts the brain from facing up to penury of one's existence and extends the episode of self-delusion.
Off to the mountains for 10 days next weekend (can't wait to set myself free from the corporate treadmill for a fortnight), hence the next post (with proper coverage of the trip) due on 7 June.
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