My hands were tingling this morning. I could feel the familiar blisters hardening where I was gripping the handles of the rowing machine, and the tiny cuts on the tips of my fingers from some ill judged glass handling yesterday stung slightly. So I closed my eyes, before continuing my 3 kilometer row. With my eyes shut, I could feel the soft breeze on my face, just enough to take away any harshness of the early morning sun. The salt water lapped quietly each time I dipped an oar, and the boat rocked as the tide came into the lagoon. Twinkle, the rowboat named back in the our childhoods, is solid, bright red, easy to navigate and unsinkable. It is my happy place.
When I open my eyes, I am nowhere near the idyllic Sedgefield lagoon in the sunshine. I am sitting on a mechanical rowing machine in the gym, and it is raining and blustery outside. This is not my natural habitat. I have never been a gym bunny . I am a firm believer that bunnies belong outside, hopping in a field.
(Long ago, before children, Andrew and I glimpsed the sweetest looking rabbit frolicking in some wild grass in the grounds of Balmoral castle. Scotland is entrancing. Wandering in the summer mist and drizzle around the castle grounds, we thought it would be fun to walk in the footsteps of the royal rabbit. We got quite close to the residence before we lost sight of the creature, so we turned round to head back. Only then did we notice the sign that Strictly Forbade us from entering the area close to the Royals.We quietly skulked off hoping not to be caught. It was a lesson in reading signage in life if we want to say out of trouble.)
My gym membership is another step in my Year of Trying out New Things. It is an attempt to slow down my osteoporosis, as the medication suggested by the doctor has unappealing side effects and long term consequences. So far so good with the gym thing. What helps is that we all go as a family, and as a extra bonus, Andrew's cousin uses the facility too, so it feels like a safe, friendly environment. It also is a place that empasises health rather than appearance, so my oversized t-shirts and old takkies are perfectly acceptable attire.
My next challenge is to conquer The Changing Rooms. I have yet to get my kit off and wander about in the altogether from shower to lockers. I am ok with this. Baby steps. I will put it on next year's Challenge list.
Rowing on a real lagoon in a real boat is obviously first prize. But in the meantime I am happy to admire the callouses on my hand from indoor rowing as a sign that I am taking charge of my own body and health. Luckily I have a vivid imagination, and twice weekly I can press reset on the stresses of life and dip my oars into my reservoir of happiness.
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| Twinkle - the magical boat |
