Before you lose your mind because you think I’ve lost mine, let me explain the title of this post. While contemplating just what the hell I was going to write about this week, since all my brain wants to think about it is the boys starting school and all that will bring (easy Type A, calm down!) I read all about what This Mama Runs for Cupcakes was doing, and found out about the Wonder Mom Wednesday link up!
Now, to be clear, it was asking for a post on reasons why you do exercise, however, how can I go though all those reasons without first taking a look at what my world would look like if I didn’t. Shall we?
1. Time. I would have an overabundance of time! If I look at a typical week of exercise, simply based on hours, this is how it breaks down:
running: 32 miles = 4.5 hours
biking: 50 miles = 2.5 hours
swimming = 1 hour
driving to the gym and back again (3x per week) = 1.5 hours
total = 9.5 hours!
Now imagine adding 9.5 hours to your week, and all you could accomplish with the extra 1.5 hours per day. I think I would use that time for sleeping. Yes, I realize that would be a polar opposite but that’s how I roll.
2. Money. Because I don’t want to get divorced anytime soon I will not be doing an itemized list of just how much money I spend on clothing, shoes, races and accessories for my little habit. Let’s just say that even with sponsorships and lots of “free” stuff, I could probably support a family in a third world country for the rest of their lives.  A family of 14.
3. Body. Yes, I have strong legs, a flat stomach, defined arms and a heart like the bull tattooed on my foot. However, after years of running and chafing, I have actual scars on my body that are not quite as athletic looking. My husband actually gasped when he saw what my heart rate monitor, and a lot of sweat, did to my chest this past spring while I was training for Spain. Let’s just say I won’t be modeling swimsuits any time soon. And yes, clearly that is the only reason.
4. Music. Running is hard. Running requires a strong mental game. Therefore, I don’t listen to “age appropriate” music when I’m doing it. Eminem, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Pitbull and 2 Chainz have been known to push me though some of my toughest training runs and I love them for it. The more f-bombs, the more my legs respond, and who am I to question it? I’m sure this is not the type of music anyone at the PTO meetings will be able to relate to.
5. Therapy. I hope my husband is still reading this because this is where I’m saving you a ton of money my love. Running is absolutely my therapy and meditation. It’s where I work out all my problems, write most of my blog posts, and air my grievances, if I’m lucky enough to be running with a good friend. If I didn’t run, I would never get on a plane or do anything else that scares me, including having and raising the boys!
So there you have it. Sweat is my bestie and without it, I may have more free time and maybe a little extra money, but my playlist would be super boring and I would never have had so many of the opportunities I have because of it. Do I need any more reasons?
Why do you exercise?
If you didn’t (or don’t!) what else would you (do you) do? Please tell me how the other half lives!
I love the reverse psychology of this here and you are right though when I first saw the title thought that can’t be and I was misreading it. But still very clever and again I too am totally A Type and of course worrying for Back To School, kindergarten for Emma and all that comes with it, too. Trust me it is on my mind daily now here and hoping that the transition for us all will go smoothly.
I’m happy to say that I got them on the bus and they were so excited! And, I really can’t wait to go pick them up and see how it all went. I’m sure everything will work out for you too. I’ll be thinking of you!!
Love the spin you took on this, you are so creative!! I think about all of the time and $$ I could be saving too if I didn’t exercise, but you can’t put a price on mental health can you?
Thanks Sue! And, no, absolutely not and the people at Brooks and Oiselle, Under Armour and Lorna Jane and, and, and KNOW that! 🙂
Running is very definitely therapy and I need to get myself into a regular schedule again now that the school year has started. I did a ton of hiking in Alaska (my calves were screaming) and I have that half marathon to train for! I don’t spend a ton of money on my habit although I certainly could. I tend to wear things until I shouldn’t. LOL But lately I’ve had to buy a few new things because a certain teenager is “borrowing” all my running stuff now that she has decided to run xc and track.
Ha ha! I love that you have to now share your running clothes. Hey, at least its a good excuse to buy new ones and your daughter is starting a great “habit!” Love it!
Love this Allie! Very clever! My day would look pretty similar to yours, although I have to say I love my 2 weeks off post season. I love lounging around doing nothing, but I am like you….not one of those people who can be content watching 12 episodes of something on netflix. I need to be productive!
I run for that Great Britain Jersey, and hopefully to DESTROY my 2:49 in chicago in october!
OH YOU WILL!!!! And I cannot wait to read all about it!! Plus, if you tracked all your time spent training, I’m sure you would have a lot more then 9.5 hours. You absolutely need those two weeks of recovery 🙂
Girl yes! I love some crazy disrespectful music when I’m working out. It’s ridiculously fun! I do mix it up for the runs though. There is a lot of pop music on there surprisingly! Uh…arianna Grande anyone? but then its followed up by anaconda so…Lol. I didn’t even think there would be scars from your hrm, wowza.
I too have some pop on there, even some slower songs for long runs – but it’s the naughty stuff that I need when I’m feeling low. You know you get it!!
This is a completely relatable post! Honestly, I think I–and those around me–would be plain old miserable without exercise in my life. I found myself through exercise years ago and to borrow a phrase, it completes me. Sleep, more money, more free time–small price to pay!
Indeed!! Yes, it absolutely completes me. I run though ALL emotions – happy, sad, frustrated, etc and always feel better afterward.
Number 5 says it all about why I exercise. It is my outlet for all of the craziness in my life. If I didn’t do that I think I would lose my mind! Great post!
Right on!
I ran on Monday, and discovered that I really need better music to run to. I love my show tunes but most of them aren’t very conducive to speed. I’d love for you share your playlist with us one day!
Done! Just promise not to be offend 🙂 hahaha!!
Bring on the happy hormones. That is all!
Right on!
What a fun way to write about why you exercise (or don’t!)!! I would say that I would definitely get more sleep because the only reason I get up at 5:00 am every day is to workout!!! But, take away the exercise and I lose a huge part of myself!! Plus then I would really have to give up all the wine and other things I love!!!
I really should have wrote about the wine and food aspect too! Darn it! You’re just full of good ideas Kim!
I exercise every single day of my life! EVERY DAY. Cardio mostly but I try and squeeze in some weights as well! 🙂 I do it because of the endorphins! THEY ARE AMAZING!!! Without them, I WOULD NOT BE MEEEEEEEEE!! So on Friday, when I am not going to be able to work out – UGH – I am going to be oneeeee crannkkkyyyy lady!
So, so true!!! I’m glad I won’t be in your way on Friday – yikes!
One thing’s for sure, I’d have a lot less injuries! But I like to weigh my options..deal with injuries that are bound to come every now and then with running or sit in a dark room and let depression take over. I’ll take the injuries any day.
Great post!
Absolutely! I’ve been relatively lucky with injuries. And, as the years have passed, I’ve gotten smarter about preventing them! I would absolutely take them though, as the upside far outweighs the down. Agreed!! Thanks for commenting!
I love this take on this topic! It is all so true. My favorite is number 2 (the money) part. Why dose everything in relation to swimming biking or running cost so dang much? Yikes. I’m pretty sure if I didn’t exercise my house would be spotless, just spotless. Instead it’s a sh*thole mess, always. I don’t even know why I bother. Thanks for joining in on the link-up next week. Love your blog!
Hahaha!! I know, right? I can so relate to that but hey, something’s gotta give! So glad you stopped by and thanks for co-hosting the link-up!
I feel you on the chafing scars. Mine are BAD. Ouch!
It’s awful isn’t it? I think it’s because we have darker skin too that makes it that much worse. Ugh.
Definitely hide #2 from the husbands. I recently signed up for a Ragnar Relay and do NOT want to itemize the list for the husband. YIKES! Loved your post thanks for joining the link up. Susan (Mom Swim Bike Run)
Seriously!! It seems that the more equipment involved, the more expensive the race is.
Thanks for co-hosting and for stopping by!!
It’s your therapy!
I think photography is at least one of mine. And crossword puzzles.
And eating vegetables and walking regularly really does wonders too.
Very true Tamara! I have a few therapies but nothing beats running. I think it’s a combo of alone time, endorphins and either focusing on something or nothing at all.
I think you rock with the exercise and dedication – even though I know all the benefits of it and I’m sure I can eke out some time (or not, who knows?), I find it hard to stay motivated long-term. It’s just easy to get lazy.
I hear ya. I’m lucky because I truly love running. The key is to find something you love to do, and then you want to do it. Of course the issue is you may not love anything that involves sweating and raising your heart rate 🙂 you have your kids for that!!
Love this! I would have so much extra time sans exercise but all the extra time in the world is not worth no exercise. The benefits are too many and I’m pretty sure my family would move if I told them I was giving up running haha!
I can’t even imagine what I would do with the extra time.
Oh and yes, I read the title and thought “don’t exercise? she’s lost her mind” or something very similar 🙂
Hahaha!! Thanks Jill. Luckily, I haven’t lost it to that extent yet and I would be awful to be around if I couldn’t exercise. Even when I’ve been injured in the past, I get in the pool or do an easy yoga class – something to get the HR up!! I know you completely understand.
This is great! And I laughed because I listen to the same kind of music on my runs. Loud, angry, adolescent boy music. Rap and metal. Yikes!
Good to know! It’s funny the things we listen to, to motivate us 🙂
Love this! the music thing gets me too– i was on a slow jog with eric last week when he suggested sprint intervals, and up to that time i had “todays hits” on my pandora station playing, and my response was “sprints? yeah one sec i just have to put my FERGIE station on” Nothing gets me actually moving like fergie and ludacris and other awesomeness from 2006. (however my meghan trainor station is becoming a close second.)
Ok, I have no idea who Meghan Trainor is, so I will have to Google her immediately. However, I LOVE me some Fergie (licious) from 2006. Bring it!
This made me lol thank you. I am the same way that if I wasn’t exercising I would probably be sleeping. I really wouldn’t be doing anything productive.
Glad to hear it and you’re welcome 🙂 I too would be sleeping, however I may not be that tired if I’m not exercising. Hmmmm.
haha .. nice twist!!
I always say that if I wasn’t out running, I’d be in Target or TJ Maxx and then lets see how hubby likes that!!
Oh man, I spend a ridiculous amount of money on fitness related things despite (as you pointed out) free stuff! I just love it. I really don’t have a reason besides that. I just really love it. I definitely wouldn’t mind having some extra time in my day though. Especially l lately where I feel like I am behind at life!
I think how sometimes I’d have so much time-especially since I’ve been afternoon exercising after work but seriously I can’t imagine life without running now that it’s been around 3 years of it becoming a big part of my life. It keeps me sane and happy!
True, true and true!! Keep it up Lauren!
Exercise is totally therapy for me too. I save tons of money by going for a power walk or jog instead of plopping on the therapist’s couch! There’s something about the movement and rhythm that helps me do my best thinking.
Agreed! I have so many great ideas on runs and it’s where I solve a lot of problems!