The Joy of Exercise

There was a moment of joy in my exercising today. With my hands pressed against the hard, cold stone wall I sank back and took in the view that lay in front of me. Breathless after my run, I took one deep inhale after another, keen to slow myself down. I didn’t mind the sting from the wall one bit. On any other day it would have been unbearable, but in this moment it was refreshing. The seconds passed by, the wispy clouds in the distance covered the small figure of Darwen Tower in one smooth wave-like crash, and the birds sang their morning tune. Amongst all that I paused and smiled.

Once a man in his car told me that is wasn’t wise to stop during your run. He took the opportunity of the prolonged red traffic light to lean out of his window and educate me on the scientific reasons for this statement. I was most relieved when his light finally turned green and he was able to drive off on his merry way, and I jog on mine. Today I paused because I wanted to admire the view. I wanted to treasure the sight of the rolling clouds and the sun’s faint hazy light beginning to burst through the gaps. I wanted to take note of the smell of burning wood coming from one of the farms nearby. It was the very reason I had run up the beastly hill in the first place, dodging the oblivious pedestrians and selfish drivers, endured the sharp inclines and thorny branches. My only motivation to make it to the top today was to watch this moment of day break around me, and so I would stop, regardless of the scientific reasons why I shouldn’t. I would embrace the cold wall even if it was somewhat painful, and I would enjoy its peace.

My relationship with exercise

For many years exercise has been a chore for me, but it hasn’t always been that way. When I was in my teens I was very active and loved working out. Everything changed when I became a parent. Tiredness does that to you doesn’t it? Time was no longer fully my own, money took a tumble and before I knew it I was not exercising as much as I felt I should, and I found it hard work. Eventually, over time, I found a small window of opportunity and although I do not identify as a runner, I began running. It being free was its biggest (and only) appeal.

I had the tracker apps, I set myself targets and goals, both in runs and desired body shape. I monitored loads, and yet I wasn’t happy and I continued to find everything hard work. Some days it was even saddening, especially after what I thought was a strong run only to discover it was one of my slowest all month. After many months of this I not only felt slower, but I couldn’t get the distances I wanted because my mind was giving up on me. To top it off my body wasn’t changing in the ways I wanted it to either. I was at the point of giving up.

The Joy in Exercise

Something had to change. Around this time I also began my journey of exploring body image, and delving into the joyful world of creativity to improve our relationships with our bodies. During this period of researching I stumbled across many people who challenged my attitudes, not only towards the way I view my body, but to the way I view exercise.*

It was quite simple. I wasn’t enjoying it because my attitude was all messed up. Exercising had become a sort of punishment because I hated my body. It was not a way to appreciate and take care of the vessel I experience life in. I needed to Lindsay-fy the situation.

As mentioned in previous blog posts (How to find your creative side) creativity takes many forms. To solve this problem I called on my ability to creatively set challenges. I removed the tracking apps, got rid of the body shape targets and instead set myself challenges which I knew the act of achieving them would bring me joy.

Running up that hill

My most powerful challenge was a hill. The aim was run up one of our local steep hills without stopping. It is steep, the sort of steepness that even modern cars don’t appreciate it if they have to stop to let someone passed whilst driving up it. A couple of years ago I witnessed someone reaching the top after a run and celebrating Rocky style. I knew I wanted to experience that feeling.

My challenge was set, the mission was on, and I began. It wasn’t easy, my mental stamina is shocking, however I persisted. By chance I met someone who regularly runs up mountains and sought out their advice. I practiced, I learnt, I spoke kindly to myself, but most importantly, I learnt to listen to my body. With the tracking devices removed I had nothing but my own instincts to go off. No longer looking at my runs as slow, I felt the joy of how the runs made me feel, which was strong.

After two months I finally made it to the top of that hill without stopping. I had my Rocky moment and it was incredible. Achievement unlocked. Now came the next question…What’s next?

The Joy of Exercise Challenge Suggestions

What’s next for me is more challenges. I thought I’d share some of the ones that I’ve either tried or I am planning on trying soon. They are all running based, so you are warned, and if you try them yourself please stay safe, and don’t forget to let me know how you get on.

Run to the view. This one is brilliant if you don’t want to obsess over distance and time. What makes this challenge successful is that you see your desired view. Pick a route that has a known beauty spot. Your aim is to run to it and once you’re there pause a while to take it all in.
Senses run. What can you see, hear, or smell that makes you smile? A cute little run, ideal for a nice loop. Whilst running focus on what is going on around you and make a list of the things that you see, hear or smell that bring a smile to your face.
Photo run. Bring your camera and keep your beady eye out for photographic opportunities. For me autumn is the perfect like for this as the light is golden and the colours are stunning. Run along your route and when you see something that captures your attention, pause and take a photo.
Curiosity Run. Begin by asking yourself “I wonder…”, I wonder what it would be like to run to the next town, or I wonder how long it takes to run to the bus stop and back. I remember as a child we would set each other challenges, asking another person to time them. We’d see how long it would take to run to the end of the street and back, or how long it would take to run a loop around the terrace houses. This challenges brings out that inner curious child and unleashes it.

*Be You Be Free | Molly Forbes | Body Image Therapist | Miss Fit Work Outs

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