Reciprocal Prompt — Health — Exercise — Rivers

Summary

The author reflects on the theme of reciprocity through personal experiences with running by the River Thames and its connection to health and well-being.

Abstract

The article discusses the author's renewed engagement with running, inspired by the February prompt 'Reciprocal,' and their childhood memories of almost being born by the River Thames. The author reminisces about cross-country running in Richmond Park and how they resumed running last year, achieving a 5k run before being interrupted by a bout of Covid. This year, they have incorporated running into their tennis routine, emphasizing the importance of heart health and the benefits of regular exercise. The river serves as a metaphor for continuous flow and health, paralleling the author's own journey with fitness. The piece concludes with a nod to a prompt story by Sahil Patel and a recommendation of another article by Henry India Holden.

Opinions

The author values the connection between nature, specifically rivers, and personal health, suggesting that the environment can inspire and sustain well-being.
Running, particularly by the river, is seen as a beneficial activity for both physical and mental health, with the author expressing gratitude for their past experiences and the motivation to continue running.
The author believes in the importance of building fitness gradually, citing the benefits of consistent exercise over intense, sporadic workouts.
There is an appreciation for the wisdom behind the Latin proverb "Still waters run deep," which may imply that calmness can mask depth and strength, akin to the unseen benefits of regular exercise on heart health.
The author advocates for consulting with a healthcare professional before starting an exercise regimen, highlighting personal responsibility in health management.
The river, specifically the River Thames, holds sentimental value for the author, symbolizing a constant in their life and a source of endless hope.
The author enjoys and recommends reading stories that inspire positive health behaviors and reflect on the broader themes of life, such as the stories by Sahil Patel and Henry India Holden.

Second week of February prompt: ‘Reciprocal’

Photographs of The Thames at Richmond-upon-Thames by the author

Still waters run deep

A Latin proverb

The river is the feature of this month’s prompt. I was almost born by the river. We know this as a song lyric too. And the river runs too just as the song lyric runs. Which gives me an idea, but I must focus on the river. In my case, The River Thames. Thamesis, or so I read when doing some research. I must find that book all about Father Thames. Did I give it away?

Like the river, I do run, and used to run at school. We practised cross country running in Richmond Park. How I remember those cold mornings running through the park. I am grateful for them. The Thames is a few miles away from the park, meandering off towards Hampton Court Palace, and Central London. You can see it in the photograph I took after I came out of Richmond Gate. How I love this area of the world where I grew up.

Last year I started running again, and managed 5 k in one go. Then I caught Covid for the third time in spite of also having 3 or 4 vaccinations, and that ended my running.

However, I have started running again this year. I noticed that you get short bursts of running in when you play tennis, so I decided to test my heart (which, after five years of tennis at least once a week must have improved in fitness), by running round the court four times after a game, and I am happy to report that I didn’t die. In fact, while following an anatomy and physiology course, I discovered that most heart attacks (myocardial infarction) happen while resting. Anyway, always consult your GP before taking up exercise, and remember that old adage about slow and steady. It is better to build resilience slowly and build a regular habit, rather than go mad on exercise before your summer holidays….

Who knew a river story would lead me to write about heart health? But, as some of us know already, heart health means good health all round. This vital muscle pumps blood and nutrients all around the body, and can be positively impacted by regular exercise.

Thanks to Sahil Patel for the prompt story ‘A Flowing River is a Sign of Endless Hope’ — I love the title. What a positive story.

Here is a story I particularly enjoyed this week from Henry India Holden💖 complete with a song too: