Why ask Why?

Seems that lately all I talk about is running, training, working out, etc. I was going to try my hand at posting something that did not involve anything remotely close to those topics, but there is something on my mind and I just have to get it out there. There are a few people in my life that I can talk openly and candidly about my running endeavors, how the p90x and/or weight lifting is going, how the ½ marathon training is coming along, etc. I thoroughly enjoy talking to them about this stuff because it is my passion and they are very receptive to what I have to say. Yes, a healthy lifestyle that includes vigorous exercise is my passion. I can hear some of the eye rolls already! With that being said, there are some statements that are made that are head scratchers. And that is what I feel the need to get out there.

· Why?
· Why do you work out so much? – Who has the time to work out that much?
· All that running just seems like a waste of time.
· The older you get, you are going to regret all that working out.

I am not sure which one of these comments to address first. So, let’s just start at the top.

· Why?

I try really hard to be nice and when people ask me why, I simply turn it around and ask them why not? They usually have nothing to say to that. And if they do have a retort, they use my most favorite (insert sarcasm here) excuse in the all the world. “I don’t have time.” That is the lamest excuse known to mankind. At least just say you don’t want to work out. The “I don’t have time” excuse is just that, an excuse. So my answer to the why is this: Because I like it. I like the way it makes me feels and I like the way is makes me look. Call me vain. I don’t care!

· Why do you work out so much? – Who has the time to work out that much?

Hmmmm, why do I work out so much or who has that much time? Let’s really think about this one. I spend one hour, maybe an hour and 15 minutes on Monday-Thursday either running or lifting. Saturday and Sunday are a bit longer, but I use the early morning hours to get my workout stuff done. I would be willing to bet that the ones asking why I spend so much time working out are spending their hour and a half in front of the TV. Just sayin’.

· All that running just seems like a waste of time.

Wow…how do you respond to that?! It is my passion. What is yours? I am fulfilled after a good run, long or short. Do I hurt afterwards and am I tired? Yes, sometimes. But I love it and will keep doing it.

· The older you get, you are going to regret all that working out.

This one just makes me giggle. How would working out in my youth have any hindrance on me when I get older? Please explain this to me? And you know what, they usually can’t!

I don’t take the strange comments personal. I no longer take them as a challenge to help get them off their butt to work out and do something healthy for themselves. I have tried and I get more resistance and excuses than I care to hear again. Not to mention, it is exhausting trying to convince someone to get out and move!

For the record, I am not bitter or angry. This particular topic happened to come up when I was talking with a friend about, you guessed it, working out. It just got me to thinking is all. Why are so many people put off by others that work out? Just because I do it, does not mean I expect every one else around me to follow suit. Granted, I have offered that working out is just plain good for you in hopes that it might stir up some interest in them. Sometimes it does, other times it does not. Hmmmm, this will forever remain a mystery!

All I have to say is thank you to the vast majority of my friends and family who do support me and don’t roll their eyes when I start talking about this stuff. Oh and thanks to Twitter for having so many follow worthy health nuts!