A bit of history

In this digital age it can be especially satisfying to come across old papers and scrapbooks and souvenirs. I recently ordered an original copy from Amazon of "The Complete Book of Running" by James Fixx. This book was important to me in the 70's. It helped me to become a runner and take on the challenge of a marathon for the first time. It reminded me that my diary from that time also featured the same photo and I dug it out of storage.

I see now why it has been so long since I ran well. Day after day the diary is blank, then a weight will be logged which was much higher than today, and then there will be an entry such as "sat around all day, reading". At other times there is an unexpected amount of exercise.

Strangely enough the diary in this photo relates to the year after the author of the book died. After inspiring millions into having healthier lifestyles, the author died in his early fifties. He had worked his way back from a very unhealthy place but was unable to fully counteract this and his family history of heart disease. What is clear to me from reading his book again is how much he enjoyed running and how much pleasure it gave him in his life.

And now on that note I will change clothes and get out there!