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The Joy Of Getting Back Into Running
(OK, jogging)
What is it about exercise that confuses us so much? When we’re thinking about doing it, it seems such a horrible, high-effort and unpleasant thing to do.
When we’re doing it we’re so busy concentrating on doing it, or on something entirely different (the oddest thoughts occur to you while exercising) that our mood is neutral at worst.
Then after we’ve done it, we feel amazing!
The Effort
Why is it so hard to get past our natural inertia that resists exercise? If we know we’ll feel great afterwards, we should be super enthusiastic at the prospect of getting out there.
I know this doesn’t apply to everyone. Some people live for exercise — a good friend of mine does serious weight sessions every single day. It’s his thing, he loves it, and it keeps him going.
For the rest of us, it’s like conditions have to be perfect in order for us to exercise.
We’re on high alert for even the first sniff of an excuse (we like to call them “reasons” though) why we couldn’t possibly workout today. Too much work, the wrong weather, a slight twinge or sniffle, our kit is dirty / wet / in the wash.
