#0022 | Read in 2 minutes: A story about how in my 40s, the harder I try, the more I end up taking the long way around

Two weeks ago, I went to the gym as usual.

What was different from usual was that
I set the treadmill to 15.5 km/h from the start.

A pace of about 19 minutes. It was a bit of a stretch.

As a result, I got a cramp at the 2.5 km mark.

Since then, five days of complete rest.

When I restarted full of enthusiasm, I felt strong discomfort and stopped.

After another five days off, I ran 2.5 km slowly.
The next day, I was able to run 5 km.

I thought, 'Maybe I can do this.'

But just in case, I took two days off and ran again.

0.5 km, it felt good.
Just before 1 km, I felt a slight discomfort above the back of my right knee.

The nightmare from two weeks ago came back to me.

I made an emergency stop just past 1 km.

...I'm here now (crying)

The discomfort is a 30 on a scale of 100.
In the past, I would have pushed through it, thinking, 'Well, it's probably fine.'

What I didn't account for was that
my previous estimates for recovery pace
did not include 'aging'.

My 40s.

If I push myself one step forward, I fall back ten steps.

With the same amount of effort as before, it actually ends up being the long way around.

Right now, it's more important not to go backward than it is to move forward.

Don't push myself twice as hard.

I'll keep that in mind.

Ah, I want to run.

■ Finally

Like this, I record my worries and realizations in my 40s on an irregular basis.

I have compiled my records so far in a magazine. Please take a look.