Running - the third episode

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.

Sport

In the time pandemic, when external factors forced me to stay at home, I have appreciated the importance of exercising, physical movement and keeping fit. I believe socialising and sport are the two main activities that bring on endorphins. As the everyday part of the former, i.e. working in the office, had to be contained (and will sadly remain so), the deficiency of good vibes had to be made up for with the latter. At first I took long (5 – 10 kilometres) walks every day. With time and inspired by some people, I have decided to get my act to together and do more.

Firstly, I have stepped up cycling. I began the season in late March, with a 51-kilometre ride. On most weekends with moderate temperature (day-time high below +25C) I took trips longer than 50 kilometres. My lifetime one-day record is 95 kilometres (set in 2017) and I aim to beat it and ride 100 kilometres within one day. The trip will be split into 3 or 4 passages, with some breaks to a have a rest, including a lunch break at a bar for cyclists. If possible, I find company for cycling, but the record-beating ride will need to be a lonely one, so that I adjust the pace to my body. Besides, I have purchased a solid bicycle U-lock that will allow me to use the bike to take short (below 10 kilometres) trips which I used to take by public transport when I had a valid travelcard, but recently I had to cover them on foot or by car, if I was short of time to walk several kilometres (shame!).

Secondly, since the swimming pools opened, I go there more or less regularly. I have unfrozen my Multisport benefit card, which allows me to enter a swimming pool once a day free of charge and the renewal takes effect on 1 August. Since then, motivated by not having to pay 16 PLN for a single ticket (but paying a monthly surcharge of 40 PLN deducted from my salary), I aim to go there some three times a week (time and other obligations permitting). This resolution remains conditionally valid, until swimming pools are closed again*.

On Thursday I took up running. For starters, I bought a pair of running shoes. I ran again yesterday and plan to do it every second day. At the beginning, not to overstrain myself, I march one kilometre, then run one kilometre and do so in intervals (equipped my smartphone in an interval timer application) for over 20 minutes. From the next week I will run 2 minutes and march 1 minute, then run 3 minutes and march 1 minute, then keep on running for 20 minutes, then 25 minutes, then 30 minutes. Jogging at the beginning might be uphill (not literally), yet it gives me pleasure and satisfaction.

We might be in a for a return of restrictions on social life, the private life might not shape up well, though prospects are good at the moment, days will be getting shorter and colder soon. Many factors might get us down, but exercising has a healing effect on mental and physical health, comes rain or shine.

* After relaxing social distancing rules the number of new COVID-19 infections rises in several countries and I believe some restrictions will need to be imposed again to clamp down on number of new cases, but they will not be as harsh as in March or April 2020, as no economy can afford a second all-out lockdown. The coronavirus deserves a separate post anyway and I promise to write up one in August.