Curious – I hear you. I took to the streets, parks and trails when the under-used gym membership expired. It’s a whole lot more interesting outdoors, you get the greenery, sky and occasional sunrise and sunset. Once experienced, it’s tough to pass up and it’s really inspiring too. I found music a good motivator and ‘metronome’ but shiurim just take me someplace else. It totally takes the mind off the monotony and the biggest reason is that I feel like I’m REALLY gaining something by learning about real life and accomplishing something worthwile. I’ve gone running with some professional ‘marathoners’ like R’ Tatz, R’ Rietti, R’ Shafier (of The Shmuz), R’ Aryeh Pamensky (look him up, he’s really down-to-earth and practical), — ALL downloaded (mostly) FREE online. Just search their names, there’s lots of sources and sites… Adding new ones to my MP3 player are rewards and incentives. If I’m procrastinating a run, I’m motivated by the fact that I want to hear the rest of the shiur. I mean, that’s “running with your daas Torah,” to quote a previous poster (squeak?). Seriously, it’s a TOTAL workout – you get to excersize the mind, body and soul in one shot. So my speed:)
BY Maydel – I think being labeled “very frum” is the highest order of a compliment. Whats wrong with being called frum? Maybe I’ll start a thread about it, though I dread hearing people’s un-thinking comments about it…