Nathan Schmidt Schema 2

Category 7: Observation & Experience

Nathan Schmidt

I don't consider myself a runner.  I don't run often, and I do not plan to start running often.  I had the sudden urge, though, to go for a run the other day.  I was watching a documentary on BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training).  It is basically the prerequisite class to join Navy SEAL training.  I do not plan on joining the military, but I found it extremely interesting, nonetheless.  The documentary followed a group of about 100 guys hoping to make it through the seven-week training course.  Because of the intense training, though, only about 25 percent would graduate.

While watching this documentary, it inspired me to get a little bit more physically active, myself.  These guys were getting four hours of sleep, running into 40-some degree water, and working out to near collapse.  When they could no longer do push-ups, pull-ups, or whatever else they were doing, they would run.  "If they can run four miles after doing all that, I ought to be able to get off this couch and go for a run too," I thought to myself.  I got up, got ready, and off I went.  I felt motivated after watching that documentary, and it helped me to continue moving.  I made it home and felt really good about myself.  I thought it was crazy how I became so motivated to do an activity that I usually dread under any other circumstance.

I credit that documentary for inspiring me to start working out again.  Although I haven't been running a whole lot, I have been doing a lot of other stuff in the workout room in my basement.  This quarantine is definitely not doing me many favors, but at least it is giving me time to work out more.  Many others are in the same situation as I am right now.  We are unable to really go anywhere or meet people.  The best we can do is try to better ourselves in these difficult times.  It is always best to remain optimistic and try new things, whether that be working out, reading, learning, or more.  So until this quarantine is over, that is what I am going to continue to do.