When I run on the treadmill, I run intervals. That means I run at a certain pace for a length of time and then increase the pace for a while and repeat the fast/slow or flat/incline in an effort to increase my cardio capacity and running ability.
I was on the treadmill this weekend and a guy asked me if I exercise to exercise or if I exercise to sweat. (I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this, but I sweat a lot and my face gets pink when I run, and red when I sprint. I was known as “Tomato Face” in my junior high math class that I had right after P.E.) The guy was keeping his distance when he asked; I am sure I was drenched and beads of sweat were flying off myself and the treadmill.
So here I was, running slightly faster than a conversation permits, and he’s asking me whether I’m exercising to exercise or I am exercising to sweat. I am proud of myself for holding back. What I really wanted to say was: what does that even mean, and why are you talking to me while you can see I’m working kind of hard?!
Instead, I gave him the truth. I exercise for a reason every time.
This weekend, my reason was to work on my running. Some days, it’s to increase my strength. Other days, it’s because I had a rough day and want to work out some aggression. Or because I enjoy a certain workout I haven’t done in a while. Or I’m feeling stiff and want to work out some kinks. Or I want to get my blood glucose levels down. Or I’m curious if I can beat my time from a previous run.
As you can see, some of these reasons and goals have quick results. Some of them take months to achieve! I don’t worry about the long term goals—I know those results will come in time. And I don’t always achieve the short term goals every time, but at that point my workout is already done and I have achieved something else—even if that something else is simply being able to check “exercise” off my list for the day.
Ultimately, I work out because I feel better once I am done and oftentimes I feel better during the workout itself. If some day I’m not into it, and I make it through ten minutes and still don’t have it, I forgive myself and take a rest day instead. They can’t all be winners, but if you continue to try you will always win.
I keep my insulin levels lower because I exercise, I get to eat a bit more without gaining weight, and I feel a whole lot better about myself every single day because I exercise.
So next time you start your workout, think about why you are exercising that day. Think about what you can achieve as a result of your activity. Set some goals and reach for them!
