No games, just sports.

Since the blood test in first year that discovered high cholesterol levels, I've been trying to be health-conscious. For awhile, I restricted my diet, cutting out eggs and cheese, and reducing consumption of chocolate. That did the trick in lowering my cholesterol back to normal, but I've made a resolve to do more cardio to delay any atherosclerotic action that might try to set in. I used to go to the gym once a week, but eventually I just gave up and made hockey my sole activity, with occasional trips to the pool last term.
Now that we're heading into summer, hockey is no longer a viable exercise option. I usually play softball in the summer, but I don't expect to be playing this year. Instead, I have decided to take up running. It's great cardio, and good for the bones.
Historically I've never been a fan of jogging; it didn't seem very fun, just running around with no destination or end in mind, except to 'get exercise'. However, after a couple of times this past week, it's starting to grow on me, for a few reasons:

1) It's such an easy and convenient way to exercise. You don't need to round up a group of people to play a game together; you don't need special equipment, or a specific arena or field. You start and end up right at your door. I like the Nike ad from What Women Want. Running is simple.

2) It's sort of nice to do something physical and somewhat mindless. As soon as you get your legs going, and get a nice rhythm, you can just turn on some good music and let your thoughts go. This is contrasted to hockey, where your mind is always on the next play and the game, and swimming, where you can't hear any music underwater.

3) People are nice to joggers. Last week, I ran past an elderly couple taking a walk, holding hands. They gave me a smile and a 'good morning'. Other joggers similarly smile and say hello as they go by. People standing around or walking on the sidewalks are also usually considerate and make way for runners (although part of it is probably that they just don't want to be run into). It's nice to start off the day being reminded that the world is not full of jerks.