Jogging

Over the years I’ve developed an exercise habit for jogging twice a week. I’m not a natural for such a pursuit but I have always recognised the need for a healthy, active body. In my younger days, I was always a gym membership type of gal – filling my week with fitness classes and gym sessions. For several years, I taught the said fitness classes and was a gym manager for a time. So nowadays, I can’t hide at my desk as I know a healthy body and healthy mind are essential to life.

​I switched to jogging purely for the freedom it gave me regarding activity time and duration. Attending a gym session was two hours out of my day, with travel time included. I’m jogging within five minutes of leaving the house and can be back home within the hour or sooner, if I wish. Jogging also feeds my love of nature, the changing seasons/weather and obsession with trees.
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I was surprised to discover that jogging supports my writing too. The rhythmical action helps to free my mind allowing me to muse over plot points, work out loop holes or find inspiration for additional details. The three Bronte sisters used to march around their dining room table prior to writing, as a means of seeking inspiration. Other authors I know are great hikers when plotting and planning is required. 

I’ve lost count of the times, I’ve returned home with a head full of ideas all generated, as if by magic, during a jogging session. When I’ve dashed up to my writing room to note down specific details before they’re lost from my memory. It also works wonders on ‘unknotting’ your joints/muscles after sitting for too long at my desk.

I tend to track the seasons with a snap taken whilst out jogging - quite amazing when compared.