run·ning[ruhn-ing]
Noun
1. the act of a person, animal, or thing that runs.
2.a means of escape - to run away from a threat
3.an act or instance of racing: the 113th running of the Kentucky Derby.
4.early European word meaning brutal, unforgiving torturous activity. Known to cause vomiting, difficulty breathing and make even the toughest of men fall and beg for mercy
5.the amount, quality, or type of a liquid flow.
Seriously, who on Earth enjoys running?
OK, so one person, who happens to be fictitious, enjoys this abomination of nature. Big deal! Man is simply not supposed to "run" except in situations of extreme fright or when their life is hanging in peril. Running is not "fun" and anyone who tells you they "enjoy" it is someone you can no longer trust because that person is a LIAR.
So why have I taken up this activity? Well it seems that it is a requirement for becoming POST certified. I have to prove I can run long distances so I can chase people. Ugh, really? I have to know how to run? Can't I just chase people in my car? Who cares if fences, kiddie pools or small dogs get in the way?!? I'll just barrel through them and catch the bad guy...I've seen how this works, I've watched enough action movies. Really, so action movies aren't a good barometer for how the world really works? Dang...then I'm toast.
This is actually the part of the Academy I fear the most. See last time I did this, I ran fine, I built up my lungs and by the time I was done, I could run 3-5 miles a day. And...I actually kind of enjoyed it...It was nice to get out, go on a jog and see a little of the world. But these days things are a little different. My lungs got torn up really well because of a condition called ARDS. Basically, I have a hard time breathing and running isn't conducive to me being able to breathe and oh I don't know, staying alive. But I'm giving it a go...I've been trying to jog the mile long circle in my neighborhood. So far...I've made it about a quarter of that. Not terrible and honestly it wasn't the breathing issues that stopped me, it was a God awful calf cramp that caused me to not be able to walk let alone run. By the end of the summer, I figure 2 times around the circle will be plenty and I'll be able to keep building on that.
My doctor has put me on numerous inhalers, one for emergencies, like when I'm turning blue after I run, and another to help improve lung function over time. Hopefully they work. He said I should carry them anytime I feel that I'm going to be engaged in physical activity, which means likely carrying them while on duty. Not a terrible prospect and hopefully I don't get involved in situation where I have to chase someone for miles on foot. If I do, I'll just politely ask them to hold off running until I can take my puff, let it work and then I'll give chase. My wife was nice enough to tell me to always make sure I knew the difference between where my gun was holstered and where my inhaler was kept because she would hate to see me pull out the wrong one in a situation...Thanks honey!
As always, thanks for reading & enjoy a little Running on Empty by Jackson Browne featuring one Forrest Gump doing what he loves...RUNNING!
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