In the hustle and bustle of modern life, many of us find solace in fleeting moments of physical activity. But for me, the revelation wasn’t in rigorous gym sessions or high-intensity workouts. It was in the rhythmic, tranquil dance of slow jogging.
My foray into this realm began rather accidentally. My usual routine consisted of strolls, walking miles, bouncing from one café to another, feeling the humdrum of everyday life. But as I transitioned into slow jogging, an activity that might seem mundane to some, a world of physical and emotional exploration opened up. The smiles, nods, and surprised glances I received from onlookers solidified the idea that this was more than just a physical exercise; it was an experience, a connection, a shared joy.
Physically, the transformation has been nothing short of enlightening. While walking focuses on linear forward movement, slow jogging invites a dance with gravity. Every jog feels like a rebirth. I bounce, sway, and jiggle, feeling muscles that lay dormant for years suddenly come alive. My quads, inner thighs, even muscles I can’t name, remind me of their existence after each jog. There’s an intimacy with my body I hadn’t experienced before.
Yet, the true beauty of slow jogging lies beyond the physical. On the psychological front, slow jogging has become my canvas, my reflection, and my metaphor for life’s boundless journey. I daydream about achieving the ‘infinity slow jog’, where I can jog uninterrupted for hours, absorbing the world around me. This idea is symbolic, reflecting my desire for an endless source of energy, passion, and persistence.
I often draw parallels between this dream and solar-powered Garmin watches. Just like these watches, designed to run indefinitely under the right conditions, I seek an eternal rhythm in my movement, where fatigue is a distant thought, and passion is the driving force.
The future of my slow jogging journey is rife with possibilities. While the gentle rhythm of my current jogs feels like a lullaby, I occasionally consider the thrill of interspersing these with sporadic sprints or maybe even jogging with a weighted backpack. These thoughts signify that my journey is ever-evolving, always seeking new horizons.
My exploration led me to Hiroaki Tanaka’s philosophy of the “Niko Niko Pace”. This concept, emphasizing the importance of joy and contentment even in challenging pursuits like marathons, resonated deeply. It reminded me that the essence of any journey lies in the experience, not the destination.
As I delve deeper, the parallels between slow jogging and life become evident. Both are not about how fast you go but how deeply you feel, how profoundly you connect, and how authentically you live. Every slow jog becomes a meditation session, a moment of introspection, and a space of gratitude.
To sum it up, slow jogging is not a mere workout routine for me; it’s a philosophy. It symbolizes the balance of effort and ease, the blend of physical exertion and mental peace. It represents a way of life that harmoniously merges movement with mindfulness, effort with enjoyment, and self with the surroundings.
S6E7 Slow Jogging: The Ultimate Sustainable Fitness Activity; Chris Abraham shares his passion for slow jogging and explains why it’s the best way to improve your physical and mental health
Glossary of Terms:
- Slow Jogging: A form of low-impact movement focusing on gentle jogging at a comfortable pace.
- Niko Niko Pace: A concept by Hiroaki Tanaka emphasizing a pace of movement that keeps one smiling and content.
- Maffetone Method: A training approach focusing on maintaining a low heart rate to improve endurance and fitness.
Resources:
- Hiroaki Tanaka’s “Slow Jogging” Book
- The Maffetone Method “Get Strong” book
- Slow Jogging subreddit on Reddit
FAQ:
- What is slow jogging?
Slow jogging is a form of low-impact movement where the emphasis is on gentle jogging at a comfortable, sustainable pace. - Why did Chris Abraham choose slow jogging?
Chris discovered slow jogging as both a transformative physical exercise and a profound journey of self-discovery and connection. - Can slow jogging be combined with other exercises?
Certainly. While slow jogging remains Chris’s primary focus, he is open to integrating sprints, weight-bearing jogs, and other variations into his routine.
Thank you for accompanying me on this journey. Remember, it’s not about the pace; it’s about the passion. Keep moving, keep exploring, and stay joyful!