Wife: Entering the shower after 5K run “Is there ever a run you finish that you don’t feel that ‘exercise pain’?”

Husband: Pondering then laughing as he wipes the post-run beads off his brow “Honestly?”

Wife: With big smile “Nope… know the answer… part of the glory is the feeling that you’ve done something.”

You know that pain of exercise. It’s your body telling you that nothing is wrong, parts are just being used and reminding you they’re there.

The pain of exercise is different from the pain of injury. That pain is physically and emotionally painful.

This pain is motivating. At least it always has been for me. It’s a reminder that I’m alive and working to be fit…. And as long as I haven’t tried something new or over done it, a dull ache.

A couple years ago had a conversation with a friend who had taken up some exercise. She had never really been into sports or exercise and had some interesting observations. One was that she was having a tough time dealing with the constant pain. It was something she wasn’t used to. We talked to be sure it wasn’t an injury. It wasn’t. It was the pain of exercise.

Her perspective was new to me. That pain I put in the box marked motivation or accomplishment. It’s a silent badge I wear.

Everything in life is how you perceive it.

Training for this marathon has me more active in different ways than usual. That pain of exercise is my daily mantra. I (try to) use it to keep me motivated.

Today I’m thankful for the pain of exercise.

What’s your TGIF?