It was the late 70’s and at a time before a word like ‘obsession’ was used so freely in our society. It only took once and I was hooked. It happened in the most unexpected way: I had just gotten a beagle puppy. I called him Jack. Jack had more energy than any household could handle. He was like a furry bouncing ball, manically jumping on anyone that came near him. That was a problem, so Jack and I went to dog training school. 
Jack loved it and so did I. It was his time to shine and he was learning to be a self controlled canine member of society. Every day he would joyously go through his paces and then look back at me for approval. Furiously wagging his tail, his whole body would just shake with excitement.
Although I was pleased with the result of our training course, it was apparent that all his energy was just being pent up in some corner of his doggy brain. In fact it would burst out on occasion and he would transgress to the bouncing pooch behavior. I had to find an answer.
So, one morning when we went out to practice, I surprised him. I unhooked his leash and I took off running at top speed.
At first, Jack stood frozen and watched me run down the street. He wasn’t quite sure what he was to do. This hadn’t been covered in his dog course. I whistled for him. Suddenly he was blazing along beside of me barking with glee.
We blasted down the streets, alley’s, over scrubs and throughout the neighborhood. We’d stop momentarily to catch our breath then we’d take off as fast as our legs could carry us.
With every step, the blood coursed quickly through our bodies and brains. Our lungs expanded and endorphins and adrenaline released . The stress and pent up energy exploded and disappeared. It was a sensation to beat none I had known.
When we got back to the house, we both collapsed on the grass exhausted. Jack was spent, mellow and happy. I had found a cure for the bouncing ball pooch, but I had also found my own obsession. Jack needed his run everyday and so did I.
You know, exercise has been a constant in my life ever since. If I don’t take the time for a run or brisk walk- I oddly find I tend to manically bounce around.
What do you do to exercise as a regular part of your day? Do you understand how important it is for your body and mind?
Vikki
The painting is called Mon Fairy of Arch. (How’d you like to be that limber? Looks painful doesn‘t it? ) She’s part of a Bug Fairy series I did this past year. The original can be found under the Fantasy Link in The Red Chair Gallery. The painting 16”x 20” Acrylic on unstretched canvas. Prints are available. 
