I restarted the protein diet almost three weeks ago. And I've found that I don't lose as quick if I don't exercise. So I started going. Almost every day, mostly, but sometimes every other day. It depends on my mood, whether I have my gym bag when I'm on that side of town, many factors.
When I was in high school, we used to do two-a-day practices totalling up to about 8000 yards. That's about 4 1/2 miles, if I'm remembering right. I was a powerhouse. We also did plyometrics (glorified aerobics), weight training and useless, brainless running exercises. I've always hated running. Even when my body was fit enough to do it for long periods of time.
When I started up again, I was pooped after 600 yards. That's a substantial decrease. I've been moving up my lap-age by about 100-200 yards every time I've gone and am now up to 1700 yards a day. I feel pretty positively about that.
I went down there this morning and started out with a 400 freestyle warm-up, then a 300 kick-set, alternating flutter, breastroke and butterfly kick. Then a 300 swim, 200 kick, 200 swim, 100 kick - you get the idea. In the end, I swam my mile today. 1700 yards. And I felt really good. I was driving away and singing along to the radio and sucking down a cigarette and feeling just plain GOOD.
It's been a long time since I awakened my body to the possibilities of its own power. It's been a long time since I challenged it to exceed what it's currently able to do. And it's been a really long time since I decided to stick with anything this long. Tenacity and dedication have their own rewards, I guess.
I've moved past feeling crappy when I get done working out into that endorphin thrill that you get after you work your body to the edge of its capability. My body isn't capable of much quite yet, but it's mine, and I fully intend to keep expanding its power.
Out of respect, if nothing else.