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?

To gym or not to gym

I may have mentioned this before but, for exercise and stability of mind, I run typically 5 miles or more, barefoot, several times a week. I wear shorts for modesty, a T-shirt if it is cold, and don't care too much what I look like. Of those that live in the same community here some don't exercise but those that do... well that's what this post is about. Don't get me wrong - I am not saying what they do is wrong, just that it is beyond my comprehension.

These folk require special and expensive machines to do what they do. The machines in turn require a "gym" to house and use them in. They have to dress up in special, strange and generally skin-tight gym outfits. As a result they no doubt keep themselves fit, no doubt fitter (but then they are a good deal younger) than I am. But the expense, and the rigmarole they have to go through!

I am reminded of our hi-tech coffee machine, the type that grinds beans freshly for every cup. This machine needs constant TLC - emptying the drip tray, emptying the grounds bin, filling with beans and water, periodic de-scaling, etc. It has a zillion error indicator lamps (well, almost) and malfunctions in almost as many ways. And the coffee it makes - frankly, most people prefer that from a plunge-pot. I compare this with: put a tea-bag in a mug, pour in boiling water and add milk to taste and, voilà, one mug of tea.