This is a good question and I’m answering it on the hoof, so to speak. I started running because I needed to improve my lung capacity, if you remember this was mentioned in the ‘I Left Home’ series and it was many moons ago, in fact I was 18 so I’ve been running for nearly half a century 😀
Now I could explain how running reduces cancer risk, memory loss and helps your blood pressure, strengthens your heart and makes you a happier person except that I only discovered this 4 mins ago when I googled ‘Is Running Good for You’ You see, I continued running after I stopped diving to counteract the smoking, drinking and generally ‘naughtiness’ and it’s kept me slim.
I know vanity is a sin but I have so many other failings/vices that Jesus probably has me marked as ‘dubious, but not lost’ anyway. I run because there is only me, its my ‘thang’ there is no stress, my entire being is focused on my run, so it’s probably good for depression too. For the past 10 years or so I have had injuries that have meant my running has not been as prolific as I wanted, but when we moved to Beverley the ‘princess’ found a physiotherapist who has seemingly ‘cured’ me after one visit and a whole load of exercises. So, I’m back racing, I started with the local Park Runs (5k) and next week is my first 10k for about two years. Although I appear to be stuck in 2nd place in my age group (yes I now have a nemesis) so maybe the old ciggies will finally have to go😀 We’ll see what the Beverley 10k says next week. 🙂
Charliecountryboy's Blog 
Loved the narrative
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Thank you 😀
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Good luck. Kudos on the insights.
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Thank you, think I might promote the Couch to 5k soon, a few friends who have never run in their lives are really enjoying it 😀
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Home roll ’em from pipe tobacco, eliminate 7,000 chemicals from the cocktail. Shh… not PC to say so but then it’s actually medicinal.
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Interesting, I home roll Amber Leaf don’t think it’s the same but I’m sure there are less chemicals 😀
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If it’s officially “pipe tobacco,” old blue laws say it has to be processed with all food grade chemicals. Five bucks an ounce, much less if you buy it online. Elsewhere in the world, they actually perscribe it sometimes to preteens with certain lung ailments — because it works. Worked for me, tell ya that.
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Is that any pipe tobacco or specific brand?
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Far as I know it applies itself to anything calling itself pipe tobacco. Now, generally it isn’t over dried as is the average cigarette tobacco, and it’s also cut a little chunky for rolling — however, it’s entirely possible. You’ll just need to readjust your rolling toward looser and a little thicker, and your lighting toward an abbreviated cigar lighting progression. Also, being oilier (and therefore better for your lungs) it may tend to gum together at the lips — my solutions have been to wrap a second paper around the base to stiffen it up, or put it in a holder. A very light, inexpensive and elegant one can be made easily from the body of a black ballpoint PaperMate disposable pen.
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Good luck in Beverley, Charlie, full respect. But you know full well, I suspect, that back in the 70’s it was not unheard of for FA Cup final teams to go out on the raz the night before, and smoke even, then turn up to play the final with a hangover. And win. Take the yin and the yang, if you ask me (which you didn’t) and play hard whilst working hard… Then challenge your nemesis to a drinking contest, or DJ-off, or whatever… but keep running nevertheless. Like I say, full respect.
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Thank you, yes I remember a scene in the film Damned United where Brian Clough put an orange, a towel and an ashtray on every bench in the changing room 😀
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Kudos, Charlie… Seems you’re a man who has played hard all his life.. 🙂
Yep; running sure keeps you thin. As a youngster I was running champ from kindy to 9th year; went to the regionals and made it to the state champs one year – with no training; I was just a fast runner. Since then I have a need to exercise one way or another, it’s in the blood! But, not running these days, my knees couldn’t take it.
I’ll be looking forward to reading the results of ‘Beverley’… So –
Here’s to Beverley, Charlie.. clink, clink… 🍷 🍷
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Wow, that’s an achievement, well done you, so yours was a lot of natural talent 😀I’m afraid my school athletics were marred by an obtuse PE teacher and my bloody mindedness lol. I might write about it one day.
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Hahaaa… My PE teacher in high school was an absolute joy. She tried to train me, but my heart wasn’t in it. She realised this and, thankfully, let me be!
I’d love to read about that ‘obtuse’ teacher… think my shackles would have risen, too… 😉 😉
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Hmmm, think it may be entertaining lol. It’s good to have lovely teachers 😀
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I was fortunate there! Being dyslexic brought many challenges; sports was an area in which I excelled – gave me, at least, a little confidence.. Apart from that my school days were pretty harrowing. During the 50s and 60s you were thought to be a little ‘less than’ the average student; understandably! Thankfully, these days there is so much more awareness!
Yes, teachers can make or break, and everything in between… 😉 😉
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“except that I only discovered this 4 mins ago when I googled ‘Is Running Good for You’ ” LOL I really enjoy reading all of your stuff.
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Aww thank you and I appreciate your time 😀😀
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Awesome!! You’re in great shape. I’m sure it has to do with all of that DJing, as well! 🤣🤣
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Thank you, I guess jumping up and down with your trouser legs rolled up had its benefits 😀
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LMBO! I sure does 🙂
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I love this post – I have recently joined a runner beginner group and I love it and hate it in equal measures but I always love it when I’ve done it! Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🙂
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Good for you and the whole summer to enjoy it, is there a social side to it as well?
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Yes – met lots of new people already – really friendly club 🙂
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Reblogged this on Dream Big, Dream Often.
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Thank you Danny, that’s very kind of you 😀
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You are most welcome!
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This is great and all the best with the 10k. And…sorry but i have to say it….if this is a motivation to give up the ciggies then that is terrific. Try the patch or the gum. The gum worked for my hubby who was a pack a day guy.
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Thank you, tried the patch, the gum, the fake thing that you puff on, therapy with a very nice lady, changing my usual habits to avoid smoking. Possibly 50 times or so always come back to it though. Someone once said you need to decide if you are a smoker or a non-smoker, then get on with it😀 But hey ho, maybe one day I’ll just get fed up of it 😀 Thanks for your comments 😀
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I hope the 10K has gone/ goes well! Running is such a lovely mental and physical escape!
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2nd place is wonderful. I agree that doing it alone is the best. That’s the WHOLE POINT unless you’re racing. I’ve had friends who ask if the can come along, and I tell them to go jog on their own. It’s no time for chitchat. Sounds like you sure lucked out with your physiotherapist. I’ve been to all kinds of docs to cure my back pain and the burning heels that only get worse with running, but to no avail. I’d still rather do it in pain than not at all. I sure wish it made me slim like it does you!
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Yes, I see people chatting away while running, which I find a bit strange, but we’re all different lol. My pain was in my calves, shins and heels, but he said it was soft tissue down the side of my legs that was causing it and not the calves, shins or feet the exercises he gave really help, but he was a Rugby physio for a top team for years so….. Glad your enjoying it 😀😀
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Thanks for sharing. Have to think of starting haha! I enjoyed reading.
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Thank you, be careful if you do, it’s addictive lol 😀
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👍
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Wow! Great photos.. running is freedom of the mind, for the air of that freedom runs through your heart and vines with more joy and peace for the nature you breath is well pleased to your soul. I love to run ❤
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Nature air*
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What an excellent way of expressing it 😀
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Way to go on second place finish!
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Thank you. Did you have any luck with feedback on 4th Grade Coaching yet? 😀😀
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You are a force to reckon with, Charlie. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
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Haha, thank you so much 😉
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Did you quit smoking yet and beat that guy in your age group?!?!?
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Naw, and he moved up an age group too, so I’ll have to wait a year now 😂
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