I wondered if it was time to take on something I had an aversion to — physical exercise

Years ago, you crossed paths. It may have been a brief encounter, it may have been a relationship spanning years. In that meeting place, something changed. Her hands warmed your essence, left an imprint upon your soul.

Seven writers sought out the women who changed them — and told them of the impact they’d had

In the summer, I’d stand on my porch early in the morning, and watch Judy run.

Judy runs marathons, and her morning jog of eight miles was like my leisurely morning stroll — if I would have taken a morning stroll. I didn’t because I’m not a physically active person. I never was. I can clearly remember my counselors saying we have to play duck, duck, goose and I’d groan at the thought of being chosen for goose, of having to run in the thick summer air. I’d bring a book to sports activities.

As I got older, nothing changed. I’d watch women exercise at the pool. I heard them say words like crunch, lunge, and cardio, but it had nothing to do with me. High tech sneakers and sleek workout clothes were items from another world I had no wish to explore. I’d watch my friends take their morning power walks, striding purposely to nowhere, and wonder, Why? Sometimes they’d invite me. “Wanna walk to Woodbourne? We’ll have iced coffee when we get there.”

“Call me when you’re ten minutes away,” I’d answer. “I’ll drive over and meet you.”

It’s not like I never moved. As a kid, I took ballet for eight years, and even owned a pair of en pointe shoes, though admittedly, it was only for the most basic beginner toe. And I’m a proficient swimmer; I swim regularly, three times a week. But running, doing something that makes me pant? No thanks. Give me a book and a chair and a glass of herbal tea, please.

While I had firm opinions about exercise, I am open to new experiences. I have this thing where I try to learn a new skill every year. I do it partly because I’ve heard it does wonders to preserve brain cells, but also because I wonder if I’ll discover some latent talent. Even if I don’t end up being the next Georgia O’Keefe, trying something new satisfies a craving.

One year, I focused on needlepoint stitches. Another year I baked elaborate cakes. I learned to make jewelry. These were all things I’d been curious about, and wanted to try.

I’m no masochist, but having watched Judy run all those times, I wondered if it was time to take on something I had an aversion to — physical exercise.

Before starting, I needed a plan. I consulted Judy. She suggested a routine that alternated running with power walking. She revealed that many times she’d also had to start from scratch. For example, if she had an injury, after she healed she’d have to rebuild her stamina.

Hearing that she also started from the bottom was encouraging, and I took the plunge. It also helped that I pictured myself running a 10K, casually mentioning to acquaintances, Yes, I run marathons, as if it was something I did as naturally as blinking.

In addition to running, and swimming three times a week, I tried other types of workouts the remaining days. I told myself that if I didn’t like it, I could always stop.