Not another lifestyle blog

I've spent the past nine months trying to regain my mental health and starting to work through an unexpected (but probably needed) derailment from my planned career. It's been a stressful year, and last year was pretty stressful too.

April-July 2009, I successfully went running (well, interval training) two or three times a week. I got to the point where I could run for 25 minutes straight! It was awesome. Then I had my skin cancer removed from my forehead and was told not to do anything strenuous until the stitches were out. After that, I made a few halfhearted attempts at running in October before descending into my pit of anxiety and despair. I tried again in March. And September.

I'm trying again. I don't like being winded easily. I also don't like not being able to do things like chin-ups. I don't like filling my body with crap and taxing my liver. It's also a really good idea to keep my body as healthy as possible so it can support my brain, which is finally functioning like normal again.

I have a safe neighborhood to walk/run in, an exercise bike in the spare room, a chin-up bar in the doorway, an exercise ball, and some weights. I don't have to be out of shape if I don't want to be.

Here are things that will make this different than other fitness blogs:

1. I will not talk about weight. Sure, I'd like to lose some. But the number on the scale indicates nothing other than how much pull Earth's gravity has on me. It can't tell you who I am, how strong I am, or how healthy I am. I will also not do any measurements of my body. The only numbers I care about are miles per hour, reps done, and distance. This will be about what my body can do, not what it looks like.

2. I am currently NOT IN SHAPE. I am weak, I can't run too long, and sometimes I eat crap. This is mostly for personal use to keep my head in the right place. If I record my activity, it might give me a sense of accomplishment. It might give me a reason to get off my ass and work out. I'll keep it honest.

3. I could give a flying fuck if anyone else works out or eats right. Be inspired or don't. I'm not a fitness expert, and won't pretend to be one. This is my own experience with trying to whip myself into shape. This isn't advice.