Staying overnight in Bangkok before my monthly doctor’s appointment always leaves me tired. The place I stay is OK; but I never sleep well in a strange bed. Yesterday morning I rushed to the hospital, then spent a fruitless hour trying to find film developing chemicals before battling through the rain back to Pattaya. Then she who must be obeyed was on the late watch at work so it was late to bed, and then up early this morning to have breakfast with her before she started work early.
Consequently, I was feeling a little knackered today and was ready to settle down in front of some downloaded entertainment for a relaxing afternoon. Which does beg the question, why was I out in on the water paddling a SUP for nearly an hour this afternoon? It was because of The Pledge.
Last week I went windsurfing for the first time for months, possibly for only the second time this year, and the first time in high winds for longer than I can remember. The results were perhaps predictable, especially for a man of my vintage. I managed about fifteen minutes before requiring a rest. When I went out for the second time I was seriously overpowered (too much wind, too much sail) and had insufficient energy or strength to control the beast. I was a high speed passenger and it was pure luck I made it back the beach without damaging me or my equipment. It was a clear demonstration that doing fuck all exercise for more than six months is not a good starting point for this sort of activity. I need to get fit.
Craig, he of the windsurfing club, manages to be one of the most laid-back people I know, whilst at the same time being one of the deepest thinkers. Following his Facebook feed provides philosophical pondering on a regular basis, and the other day he was on about embarking upon an exercise program, and sticking to it by make a pact with someone you respect.
Good idea. I respect Craig, so I came up with my pledge: *I will come to the club at least 3 times a week for the next month and either SUP or sail for a minimum of 30 minutes (more than that might kill me initially) each time. Injury/illness excepted. *
Regretfully, I did not add idleness to the exception clause, and I did say that today would be the first day; which is why I was out on the water paddling a SUP rather than dozing in front of a movie this afternoon. Craig came with me and showed me the latest paddling techniques which involve using your core body muscles rather than your arms, an approach I understood but found hard to master. More practice required, which I am pledged to undertake at least two more time this week.
Now if you will excuse me, I feel a sudden pledge to take a little rest coming on.
Comments 🔗
2012-07-10| biggrtiggr saysI signed the pledge, once upon a time………………… but I never considered it binding as I was pissed at the time.
2012-07-11| Jan sayswhat’s a muscle ?
2012-07-11| Craig saysI think it is a pledge day tomorrow - forecast is for wind - all your intense training will pay off at last!
2012-07-11| Spike saysI knew that those 45 minutes of mild effort would be worth it one day. Make it so oh wind master.