WHY I CHANGED MY REASONS FOR EXERCISING

Happy Monday, everyone! It’s time to delve deep into a different kind of narrative. Usually, our Marathon Mondays take the spotlight, but today, let’s venture off the beaten path. While I often highlight my training routines, the emotional backdrop of my fitness evolution is equally, if not more, pivotal.

Reflecting on my younger self, there was no athletic inkling whatsoever. Sports? A complete no-go during high school. The thought of gym class was more agonizing than a mathematical theorem. Books were my escape, not sprinting tracks or elliptical machines. Yet, a twist awaited when I entered university. Those idle hours between lectures and the allure of the campus gym made me flirt with the idea of working out. Ignoring the intimidating machines, I’d either jog around the track or trust the simplistic stair master. Exercise wasn’t passion – it was routine.

However, time has its peculiar ways. A few years on, and fitness had consumed me. No longer confined to the university premises, I embraced a rigorous regime – sweating out became mandatory. A memory that stands out is the daily ritual of dawn workouts followed by an exhaustive commute to work, all amounting to a four-hour endeavor. The objective? Calorie-burning and sculpting an ultra-slim physique.

This obsession morphed once more, directing me towards muscle building and the dream of a toned figure. I impersonated weightlifters, adjusted my diet to match that of bodybuilders, and yearned to parade in sports bras without a hint of flab. But reality struck; such superficial pursuits were hollow.

The eureka moment? Rekindling my romance with running. Not only did it resonate with me, but I also realized I had a knack for it. Sure, there were hiccups – occasional injuries, fleeting motivation, and self-doubt. But the thrill of the run, the goals attached to it (Boston, I have my eyes set on you!), superseded everything. Today, my fitness mantra orbits around bettering myself – enhancing endurance, speed, and self-belief. The scale doesn’t determine my worth; my milestones and achievements do.

Now, my ambitions hinge on capability and milestones, not mere physical appearance. I cherish marathon memories, the camaraderie with fellow runners, and the euphoria of delicious, nutritious meals over the torment of restrictive diets. The joy of crossing finish lines far outweighs any societal standard of beauty. My fitness journey is now flavored with happiness, contentment, and purpose.

I wholly respect everyone’s unique fitness journeys and dietary choices. We all find solace and motivation in varied aspects. For me, exercise has transcended beyond aesthetic appeal; it’s about the adrenaline, the sense of accomplishment, and inching closer to my goals.

Thanks for taking this deep dive into my journey. Sharing such facets of our lives binds our community closer. Wishing you a motivating Monday and hoping my story sparks reflection in your own lives. Stay spirited! 🌿🏃‍♀️💪