And here's why

A couple of days ago I was in the garden. Two of our CrossFit-ers ran past me and just a minute or so later came back in the opposite direction. That was weird enough but then they repeated the sequence a number of times. Today another of our CrossFit-ers did the same thing. I was cleaning out drains at the time so working away outside the kitchen as he passed first in one direction, then back, then out again, must have been half a dozen times. Apparently this behaviour is governed by the CrossFit handbook in some way, with prescribed other activities between these very short runs.  It is something they have to do. They talk about it when we gather for morning or afternoon drinks, discussing together what weights they lifted, how fast they ran, and so on. If one had more interest than one does, one might feel left out!

Then it dawned on me why I find all this so alien to my way of thinking. During the working day my work is understandably dictated by what my clients want. But I don't want someone dictating to me what I must do in my spare time. My morning runs are idyllic (once I drag myself out of bed) for the very reason that I am free of all (well, most) constraints. To have to religiously follow some fitness regime would be contrary to all I know as good.

Perhaps it is my age. The CrossFit-ers are all much younger than I am and maybe, when young, you don't mind being bossed around so much. After all, if you enlisted for the Army you'd expect to be bossed around.

Here's another thing - this fixation some folk have with football or other ball games - this link sees football as a religion, I suppose because of the irrationality of either adherents, and this makes a lot of sense. I cannot think of any other reason why an intelligent person should want to watch a number of men kicking a ball around.

Football etcetera

People get so fanatical about football. Or tennis, cricket, rugby. Or indeed any sort of organised sport or the present day plethora of get-fit regimes. And they spend vast sums on tickets, clothing or equipment. Even folk who live in Christian community. Me? I don't get it - why should I subject myself to external rules and pay for the privilege? I have enough of that sort of thing in the work I do. Not that I have it in for such people - let them continue their infatuations as it will at least keep them away from the solitude I seek.

I imagine they might say of me: what is the point in your running and what's with the mortification of going barefoot? I am quick to answer (but I assure you, they are not looking for an answer): whilst running I am free, the outdoors here is unrestricted, beautiful and quiet, I can think things over and pray or shout and sing if I want, there is a great sensation when running minimalist - the ground against your feet, the wind against your chest, and it is virtually free. And it's good exercise. Of which, only the last is true of playing football. And as for listening to or watching a football match or, worse still, a cricket tournament - this must be one of the most boring occupations imaginable. For me.

But I know (and love) folk who would violently disagree with my stance. And I wonder how it is that we are so different?