Left, Right, Left, Right
When Forrest decided to run across America he told us he "just felt like running."
Of course, I am referring to the film adaptation of the story and must admit that I couldn't pick out the real Forrest if it were only two men in front of me.
Nevertheless, I have no doubt that this thought process will be the salvation of my Degree.
Background
We all know the benefits of running. In case you have somehow escaped physical education growing up, here's some examples provided by people who know more than I: Active, Runner's World, NHS.
It should be noted, the first four search results I found for the benefits of running had three sets of six examples followed by a list of sixteen. Therefore, for the superstitious among us who don't fancy the devil popping up at the door, just follow the links I have provided.
Any ideas why 6 is so popular in the running-related blog scene?
Now, though we may be aware of the benefits of running, very few actually stick with it. Lockdown has been 'lifted' for only two days and already I have noticed the number of runners decrease by about half.
Personally, my relationship with running has always been extremely hot and cold. When I felt I was in a bit of a rut I would always lace up my running shoes two or three times a week only to stop again when my serotonin or dopamine levels had evened out.
But not this time. (He says).
What changed?
Given current events, the appropriate question is more like, what didn't change?
Pandemic aside, I have also changed a lot over the past two years of my life at University. I don't go 'out out' as much as I used to. I have fewer contact hours every year and thus no reason to walk to campus. Plus, this year I lived a lot closer to town and had access to a car for food shopping. Therefore, I spent much longer sat in my room reading pointlessly complicated books that seem to be aimed at self-glorification rather than helpful explanation. Not to mention, I don't seem to recall a day where it wasn't raining?
Trust me, it sucked.
With how much less active and isolated my life had become, my first term this year was not particularly memorable. My grades slipped, I felt stressed and down a lot of the time, I even considered dropping out.
We couldn't let that happen though could we. Mother would never have forgiven me, you should've seen her face when I told her I was going to ease off for my recent exams. If looks could kill!
Of course, she came round when I explained what 'no-detriment' meant.
New Year, New Me.
I don't do New Years Resolutions. I don't like the excuse of having to wait until a new year before I try to improve something about myself.
Alas, this time I caved.
I told myself that I would go for a run three times per week for as long as possible. Distance, time, none of it was important to me (OK, maybe a little...) so long as I was going through the motions and getting outside without turning my phone on and procrastinating in bed.
It wasn't hard at first. I had already met my goal of investing in a healthier diet and I had recently returned from an extremely physically demanding ski trip. I was perfectly capable of running for 20 minutes or so. Sticking with it, however, was where it got difficult. Thankfully I had to complete a particularly dull essay at the time and was more than happy to pursue extra-curricular activities.
Shall I start it? I'll just go for a run instead...
Four and a half months later I am still going strong. Minus the period when I had mumps... and the week I bought new Dr Martens... the blisters were too much for me.
I have even set up a weekly training plan. Monday or Tuesday I do a long distance run that is usually around 10km, Wednesday or Thursday is the high speed interval sprint session, and Friday or Saturday is the tempo middle-distance run.
Above is my current personal best. I do not know if it is a good or bad time. I do know that I felt great, the sun was shining, and The Beatles were carrying me through my 'sprint' to the finish line. I also know that I went on to complete my first piece of exam coursework after I had showered and finished my guilt-free English breakfast.
So what has this got to do with Forrest Gump?
Now that is a brilliant question. I am glad you asked.
According to Huffpost, Forrest ran across America because he was looking for Jenny. Personally, I believe we should just take Forrest at his word. The more I run, the more I feel like running. My grades have improved, I have established a successful sleep schedule (according to my Fitbit), and before the pandemic got in the way I was in my social element. For all intents and purposes, running had brought me back to my former self and then some.
The running itself is not important. Running is pretty monotonous on its own. Hence why I bought some fancy wireless earphones. However, waking up and going for a run has made me feel productive even when my backlog of deadlines has had me feeling as though I am getting nowhere. Running has got me outside when my Degree wanted nothing but to lock me up. Not to mention, running has reminded me that, whether its a 10km slog or three years of my life, it will end and I will be so proud and thankful that I made it to the finish line.
That, my friends, is why running has, and will, save my Degree.
Who knows, maybe you will see me running across America some day. The possibility of being dubbed the 'English Forrest Gump' is quite enticing.
Stay safe.
nice shooeeseys
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