September 7, 2008 | Filed under: I Run Therefore I Am, Is She Still Talking?
August, as I told a friend, turned into Mental Health for Katherine Month. (Yes, I realize I missed 2008’s official Mental Health Month. It’s been one of those days weeks years.) She started to remind me about the flurry of activity that September was sure to bring, but I stopped her, imploring, “Please don’t ruin Mental Health for Katherine. Things were going so well!”
I spent less time at work. I spent less time at the computer. I spent less time being stressed out.
Even better, I used those extra hours that I wasn’t working to do things that are important to me or needed to be accomplished.
I think it may have worked — in the last two weeks, I’ve exercised more than in the previous two months combined. I finished all of the painting around my house. I’ve hosted out-of-town guests and gone out of town and seen a bunch of friends around town. I’ve read books — plural! I’ve consumed copious amounts of alcohol in the spirit of being social, not as a coping mechanism. I am, I think, a more pleasant person to be around.
In a moment when I suspect my mental health was in a frightening place, where thoughts like “Life is grand! I can do anything I put my mind to!” abound, I signed up for a half marathon only six weeks hence. Because getting to the gym more than once a week somehow qualifies me to run 13.1 miles. Mm-hmm. Brilliant.
But, tra-la-la! I’m determined to make Mental Health Month for Katherine last through October, even if my legs don’t.
Posted by Daily Tragedies @ 9:19 pm | Make a Comment
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Congrats on a successful Mental Health Month! And good luck with the half marathon!
September 8th, 2008 at 12:59 pmGood for you! There’s nothing like giving yourself a chance to create some energy instead of just draining it constantly. Rock on with your bad running self.
September 8th, 2008 at 9:50 pmDude, what’s a few blisters? Or 10? You will totally rock the half, just like last year. Only this time it will be in DC! DC! DC! Or Baltimore. Whatev.
As soon as I win the lotto, I will be an out of town visitor for you. Anything for your mental health…
September 8th, 2008 at 11:36 pmOh, I dunno …. I think mental health is overrated.
Glad to hear you’re working less and enjoying life more.
September 11th, 2008 at 9:48 pmGood luck on the half! You go girl! I’m proud of you!
September 29th, 2008 at 3:50 pmHey, are you still alive? I suspect you’re buried under with work. Hope all is well.
October 4th, 2008 at 5:36 pm[...] I mentioned a long, long time ago, I signed up to run a half marathon. It was…good enough. (2:27:54, for the record.) Not great, no personal records, but a [...]
October 22nd, 2008 at 9:57 pm