Because..

Probably the worst reason to do something. For example...

One of the young people came in last week to say he was getting a tattoo along the length of his fore arm. It is a "tribal design", or nondescript lines as I would call it. The problem is that he is 14 years old and no amount of convincing would have him put it off until he was older. His mother was paying for it and in his eyes that made it legal. The law states you have to be 18 years old to have a tattoo done, and the come back is that his mother gave him permission (in the same way it must be legal to drive at 14 with your parents permission). I asked him why he wanted a tattoo, and the reason was "Because." No over whelming reason that he could offer. Just "because". (of course there are reasons that he wanted the tattoo and they were more about pressure to conform t o a certain way of seeming to those around him, but it was hard to articulate for a 14r year old) . "Because" is a lousy reason to do anything. Being a church member and seeing things done in a certain way "because", or offensive parades taking place "because". Because is for when we know the reasons do not hold water when shown the light of day. "Because" is for hiding behind.

That is all well and good to for me to think that way, but last weekend I met a man who was cycling round the coast of Ireland. It was quite inspirational to talk to this man in his late 60's (at least) and listen to him talk about his journey and the ones he had done in the past. Just before he cycled off into the sunrise (well north anyway, but it was a cloudy day), I asked if he was doing this great feet for charity. "No," he said, "just because."

My absolutist argument shot down. I'm glad.

Run out

I may have stopped running. My knee is sore and I am at the age where that worries me, as I may need it from time to time and do not want to break it.
I enjoy running. I find it liberating to just run in a direction, with only myself to beat and no one to keep up with or wait for. I love putting on my head phones and listening to podcasts such as Amazing Spider-man Classics, and being in my own world for half an hour, and every step making my heart pound in a good way.
But while i want to be fitter and healthier, I do not want to wear out parts. I have an appointment with the NHS physiotherapist, and I will see what happens then.

My other options for cardiovascular exercise are limited by money. Going to the gym would be great but the fees are horrendous. Swimming three times a week is expensive as well. So what to do?

Cycling: This is what I have been doing since I got back from holidays, and yes it is good and non-impact for my knee, but I cannot wear head phones for safety reason, and it does not leave me gasping for breath like running. But I will try it three times a week for a while.

Golf: This was suggested and I really do not have the time to explain why this would be a bad idea. Just no.

The most intriguing was roller blading. Apart from the fear of falling down for the first few week, it sounds like a cool thing to go speading along the pathwasy in the park. The only problem then would be the people who take the whole of the path, and trying to get round them. Lets face it, if the bell on the bicycle does not alert them to me cycling past them (I have no idea what they think the bicycle bell sounding thing is) me screaming at them might not.

I do still want to have a good exercise 3-4 times a week, but it may not be running.