Exercise Guilt.

What better way to celebrate your last Wednesday night spin class than going to cafe rio with Ash and splitting a pork salad.  Don’t worry mom, I wasn’t in a fight or anything I just like to make the inside of one of my eyes look puffy and awkward.

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If you knew me in real life (or through the blog) just 3 months ago you know that I didn’t skip a workout if my life depended on it.  I was good about taking my rest days on Sunday but other than that I NEVER missed a workout and if I did I would feel guilty about it for a few hours.  I was probably that way for 5 years.

This last weekend we went to Lake Powell and while I was gone a reader asked how I dealt with the guilt that can (and ALWAYS did in the past) come along with going away on vacation and not being able to work out like normal and at the same time eating more junk food (aka twinkies).

When I read the comment 2 days after getting home it shocked me.  Why?  Because it was the FIRST time that I thought about it.  Before the good ol’ injury if I knew I was going away, the FIRST thing I would have thought about was how I could fit in my workout (even if that meant waking up at the crack of dawn).

I would like to thank my femurs for breaking to teach me this important lesson,  it is okay to skip a few days and it is even more okay to not beat yourself up over it.

I had more fun with Billster this last weekend than ever before.  I thought about people rather than working out and what I was going to eat.

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It was freeing. I was happy.  I wasn’t putting myself down because I didn’t run X amount of miles or swim for an hour or teach a spin class.

I am the first to admit that I LOVE a good workout. The endorphins mixed with sweat is a lethally happy combination for me but I have learned (actually, I was forced to learn) that our bodies NEED rest.  We cannot schedule our life around our workouts.  Yes, it should be a priority to stay fit and healthy but I can’t tell you how much better it was to be able to sleep in, eat muffins and toss the football around without even thinking twice about the gym or treadmill.

I am not saying I am perfect (I think you all know how creepy/crazy I am) but I have tried my darndest to learn everything I can through this injury.

People come first.

You won’t gain 12 lbs if you go on vacation and miss your workouts.

When you look back on past vacations or special times in your life do you remember the people and experiences you had with them or your workout?

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You are perfect just the way you are.

If life is busy and you can’t fit in the last 3 miles on your ‘training plan,’ that is okay.  You are doing the best you can, remember that and move on:)

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Do you get anxious or nervous about working out when you are going on vacation?  How do you get over it?  Have you gotten better about it over the years?

-Like I said, it was the first thing I thought about for way too many years.  I guess God had to break both of my legs to help me finally realize that people come first and running shouldn’t be the center of my universe.  I think it is important to remember that you will be back to your normal routine in just a few days and that when you look back on your trip, do you want to remember your workout or the people and fun experiences you had together?

Do you like sharing meals?

Not usually, but last night it was perfect.  It was just the right about of food and Ash didn’t cross the line that I drew across the salad before we dug in.  Billy doesn’t like to share when we go out because he knows that he will just leave the restaurant hungry and with fork stabs in his hand.

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90 comments

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I love this! We are going to visit family next month and I admit, I've been worried about the "week off" from healthy eating and exercise, but this post really puts it into perspective for me. You rock!
I love your blog! My favorite for sure :)

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I think what you're saying here is So. Freakin'. Important. There are so many people/blogs/books that stress the need for perfection in eating and working out that we can forget how much FUN life is supposed to be! It's all about Balance! Kudos to you (broken legs or not) for realizing this and reminding us all!

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My boyfriend eats whatever I cant finish so that counts as sharing right?

I used to get super stressed about working out/my training plans but like you I had to break both legs to really get the bigger picture! I went to Jamaica last year and didnt workout once and I absolutely do not regret it at all!

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This is an important but hard lesson to learn sometimes! We have to realize our bodies will actually perform better if they can get some rest…we can use a vacation from working out just as much as we can use one from the rest of things! You're right..you won't gain 12 pounds!

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I swear you live at that restaurant :)

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You are right on! Last summer I threw my back out which made me realize the I was pushing my body to the max. I was almost out of commission for 6 months. It was so tough but now I enjoy the couple of days off here and there and my body thanks me for it. It is still a battle some days but I am way better than I used to be.

Don't like to share unless it's with my sisters. If I share with my husband he ends up eating all of it! Drives me crazy!
Sarah

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First of all, you're gorgeous!!! Just had to get that out there! Depends how I feel for feeling guilty (yup that sounded just as stupid typed out as in my head) – but what I mean is if I've had a good few days – worked out hard, ate really good, then I won't feel guilty…but if I've been too busy to work out and prepare good meals, then I'd definitely be antsy to get some form of exercise while on vacay!

I'm really not a sharer…but my husband is, and he gets the point of when I don't wanna share. Sometimes I'll meet in the middle (if the meal is HUGE and there's plenty to share), but if it's not, don't bother asking if I wanna share with you!

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Thank you so much for posting this. I just came back from a 2 week vacation in Ireland with my husband and it was the first time in my life I did not work out (other than walking) for two full weeks. At first it was super hard for me and I was anxious, but then I got over it and when I came back from vacation and went to my spin class on Saturday morning, I swear I experienced bliss like I have never felt before. I think a little break from my rigorous schedule was exactly what my body needed!!

Also–so very excited you are back to running, you are my inspiration! xo

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I so remember those days of stressing what I would eat/exercise while on vacation. It's taken me a while, but I definitely realize now what's MOST important. Too many girls let exercise stress get in the way of their fun/social life. I'm so glad I've realized this! :)

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Thank you for this!! It is something constantly have to remind ourselves of. I fall victim to this way too often but always try and do a little reality check on what is more important at the end of the day. So thank you again, you rock :)

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I used to get all anxious about it, but now I've come to realize that I will always have my "normal schedule" when I get back home. I have learned to relax and ENJOY vacation while I'm there because I don't wanna look back and think of what I missed out on!

I also try to incorporate FUN activities on vacation that get a little cardio in! Plus, people usually JOIN me and that makes it better! :)

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I love sharing because I can never make-up my mind about what to order and if people share I can try lots of food.

I don't usually feel too guilty about not working out. If I have to coach myself though – tell myself that I'm going on vacation and I'm not working out. I try not to bring my running clothes so I'm not tempted. It can be hard and I sometimes stress about all the bad food I'm eating, but in reality, I vacation to spend as much time with my family as possible and exercise can get in the way of that. I always try to make exercise a PART of my life, not my sole reason for existing.

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LOVE THIS. I am usually pretty active if I go on vacation anyway…so I normally do not worry about working out. Or if I am at the beach…I LOVE to get up early before everyone else and go for a run! But I have had clients tell me that they look at old photos and remember what they ate, how many pounds they gained or how much they worked out…rather than the memories behind the photo and that makes me SO sad. I like to think I have a good balance when I go out of town…but I know that I am not perfect either.

have a wonderful day! That salad looks delish! I have not been to cafe rio in forever!

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I usually work out on vacation at least once or twice. Or I plan activities like hiking. I'm not a very good relaxer, unfortunately.

Going on vacation and not excercising DOES make me gain 12 lbs. Ok, maybe not 12. But there were 8 lbs gained on a cruise once. :-) Not pretty.

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I'm proud of you for not experiencing said exercise guilt. At the same time though, you work out SO much more than most people, so you NEED days off. Are you planning to take your two complete rest days like the doctor "ordered?"

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Sometimes I feel guilty about not working out, but I know that sometimes there are things that I have to do that make it hard to fit in a workout. I'm not perfect, and in my book getting any movement in is better than nothing.

Depending on my mood sharing meals can work, but realistically I want to have my own meal, and if I can't finish it then I want the leftovers for myself.

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I used to be exactly like that and I still am a LITTLE bit. I've gotten a lot better over the past year. Last year, if I had skipped a workout for some reason or another I would literally have a mini internal panic attack. If I missed a workout, my eating was all out of whack and I would try to do double the next day to make up for it. Well, I have since learned that that does more harm than good–it just makes me even MORE obsessive and working out too much makes me super hungry, so I end up eating more anyway! It wasn't until I was training for my first half marathon, following a plan that had me working out 4 days a week/resting 3 days that I learned that moderation really IS BEST!! Not only did I not gain weight (in fact, I lost about 10 pounds cause my appetite finally wasn't out of whack!) but I CRUSHED my goal time at my half by over 10 minutes!

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When I'm training for a marathon-I usually do get a little anxious about getting runs in… I usually make do, most of the time we'll switch around the long runs and just do the best we can during the week, even if it's just 3 miles a day. :)

I'm usually not a big meal sharer-but last night was perfect! It helps that you and I talk a TON and I'm not so concerned with licking my plate clean and I realize I'm full before I make myself sick! ;)

and I'm so sad that spin is over… :(

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Thanks so much for writing about this issue!

I've felt that same guilt for many years, and I sometimes still feel it.

Recently, I went on a trip to China, and would constantly be eating greasy and rich foods, because my uncles and aunts were treating me, and I didn't want to be picky or disrespectful.

But by the end of the trip, I felt so gross and heavy, and I actually gained four pounds in one week!

By the end, I was missing working out so much, so I had even more motivation when I came back.

I definitely think that being overly anxious about changing up a typical workout routine isn't the healthiest thing, but completely letting go and not eating healthy or being active can be pretty damaging too!

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I love this post so much. I'm big on exercise guilt. I wish that wasn't the case, and I'm working on it, but I can't help it. You're so right that people are more important than a workout though, and we all need to remind ourselves of that more often. Thanks for sharing!

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AHHH good for you beautiful lady!!! I have the same problem sometimes. It sucks major but I used to have suuuuuch bad exercise guilt and now I just don't care as much. THat also comes along with the fact that I have been eating more animal products (fish/shrimp) and am thinking about eggs and greek yogurt…even though it freaks me the eff out because it goes against everything I have believed for so long. And lately, all I want to do is have a GOOD TIME with the people I love. Workouts have been the last thing on my mind, which is super suprising…I realized I would rather be basking in the sun or going out with my girls, even if it means not getting the perfect workout. I am not an olympic athlete. I am not a professional runner. I have no obligations, and while it is fun and amazing to have goals, I don't have to break myself down to meet them because I make them for ME, and for my enjoyment. I am so glad that God has given us these messages to make our lives more enjoyable. Peace and love my dear!!!!

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This is so true and I'm so glad you were able to talk about it so frankly. I feel exercise guilt when on vacation, but moreso I feel like the people I'm vacationing with are judging me for not going on a run, as I've been telling everyone I'm a runner now. It's a weird feeling.

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Thanks for answering my question and it is SO fantastic that the thought never even crossed your mind.
I love how you are using the mishaps to learn and grow — that is what God's way is.
He didn't want you to break your femurs but since you did he will weave things together so that some food will result.

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I can really relate to this post. I am recovering from a stress fracture too and I am trying to learn as many things as I can from this injury. I am taking my time "off" to focus on my family and enjoying my little ones. I had a baby in January and tried to hurry the getting back in marathon shape process which resulted in a sacral stress fracture (on my pelvic bone). I was diagnosed the week before Boston so at the time it was pretty devastating. I am in a much better place now and I know it happened for a reason Like you, I am taking care of my body with lots of rest now. In the future, I'm going to be a much smarter runner. Running means a lot to me but it is NOT everything to me.

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So proud of you! It's certainly something I'm still working on but it gets easier with every time you miss you and the world doesn't end. I remember once my friend asked me "how do you feel when you miss a workout?" and all I could think was "what is she talking about, I NEVER miss a workout, I just wouldn't, it wouldn't happen" kind of a breakthrough moment for me!

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Wait, I cnnaot fathom it being so straightforward.

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I loved your article! The human body is a marvelous thing. In some ways it is like your car. Every so often you need to change the oil in your car. Every so often your body needs a break to let all of the systems catch up and refresh themselves.

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Perfect timing. I'm leaving today or tomorrow for Colorado and stressing so bad about workouts, and what if I can't run? And what if I can't eat any good food? And what will the food be? But rarely do I ever go on vacation, and rarely do I exercise fewer than 5-6 times a week, so why beat myself up over it? I may not be the thin person I want to be, but I do work out and I am fit… or so I tell myself. A few days off won't kill me.

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I skipped a week of workouts when I was visiting my boyfriend(we are long distance), I felt terrible and guilty about it at first – but then realized I don't get to see him enough, and I can get right back at it when I get home!

You and the Billster look amazing in that picture! Such a gorgeous couple :)

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I usually don't share meals because I'm always afraid that I'll eat way more than the other person and they'll be stuck trying to make a meal out of the leftovers…I'm not good at sharing and I eat a lot!

This post is great. I DO try to get in workouts on vacations, but I'm more lax about them. Like if I don't fit one in, it's ok.

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I'm so glad you posted this! I always thought I was so nuts for having exercise guilt. I used to freak out if I didn't work out at least 5-6 days a week. The workout HAD to be at least an hour long and super sweaty or else I would worry endlessly that I was going to gain weight. It would cause me so much anxiety. Sometimes we need a little wake up call (like how yours was your injury)

My wake up call was getting diagnosed with cancer in February. I literally couldn't exercise like I used to and at first that really bothered me. However, now I have learned the beauty of just walking or doing light exercise and how it's just as beneficial. I haven't even gained a pound which shocked me because I always assumed I had to workout like a madwoman to avoid weight gain. Once I'm healed, I will truly ENJOY running and doing exercise instead of treating it like some form of torture to keep myself skinny or whatever I was striving for.

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Aw great photo of you and the billster!

When I'm vacation, I still enjoy fitting in a run if it's possible, but if it doesn't fit it, I try not to worry about it. That's what happened yesterday, it just didn't fit in and I am fine with that (well, of course I was sorta sad, but I moved on.)

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Such a good post for me to read as I pack for my family reunion to California tomorrow! I usually stress about how to fit in my workouts, but I'm getting better about it. I packed the gear just in case I get to squeeze ina blissful run in something less than the 100 degree weather we've been having here in TX, but I'm also prepared to not be able to squeeze it in.

I don't like sharing food either. I always feel so selfish because my hubby is so nice about sharing his food with me!

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Amen to this sister. I really needed to read this today.

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I love the photo of you and your husband–you look beautiful!!!

I think the same can be said for more than vacations. We adopted our brand new baby boy Henry a little over two weeks ago. In terms of my diet and my running, it has completely messed things up (since he was born, I have only been able to run a TOTAL of 6 miles). My clothes are snug and I have put on a few pounds, because I am too tired to take good care of myself and don't have the energy or time to get in decent mileage. At first it stressed me out. Now I realize it is OK. This is a special, TEMPORARY time and I am going to enjoy my new son. Running will be there when I am ready to attack it. :-)

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Oh, Janae. This is exactly what I needed to hear today after a vacation where I didn't work out the last couple days. I wish I could have you follow me around all day and tell me all the things I need to hear. Wouldn't that be a fun life?

Ask the Duplex

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You're so right about the workout guilt. On the one hand I totally get it, yet on the other, I hate missing workouts! It's tough to come to that happy place in between that means you're balanced. Good for you for finding it!

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I used to get super stressed out on vacations, and it would drive my family crazy. I couldn't function if i didn't get my workout in. But in the last few months I've really tried to focus on people. So in the last two weeks I have had 2 days where I was either out of town or too busy with people to workout. and it was OKAY. Thanks for this post :)

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Thank you for posting this! I definitely struggle with exercise guilt but I am working on trying to over come that and this post helps a lot. I bruised my tailbone on Monday and have been dealing with not working out. It's hard but you had mentioned in a recent post it's better to take a week or two off than 3 months and that really resonated with me. Maybe my body is telling me to slow down a bit.

P.S. You are a ray of sunshine and a love reading your blog! Sometimes it makes me wish I lived in Utah just so I could meet you. :)

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Janae I just love you and you are such an amazing example to me. I am definitely guilty of exercise guilt but have been working really hard to get over it. I used to have major anxiety about vacations or missing a workout. But you are right it is completely okay and necessary! Thank you so much for being such an amazing example and sincere friend.

Cafe Rio salads are perfect food to share! :)

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I used to struggle with this a LOT, and I still do to some extent. Injuries really put things into perspective, but it's hard to not feel guilty. If I'm on vacation, I just try to enjoy and relax, but it's often hard. Great to know others struggle with the same thing.

ps, you look gorgeous in that photo!

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Great post Janae! I'm glad you enjoyed your time away!!!

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So so true. Thanks for writing about this. I definitely get anxious, but I can usually talk myself down and tell myself that I'm being nuts. We deserve a break and will get back into the routine when the timing is right!

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this is a great reminder. Thank you!!! Before vacation I usually do some daily doubles and workout like a crazy person to make up for all the crap I am going to eat and the workouts I am going to miss. It makes me feel better when I am relaxing by the pool with a margarita and then when I eat a huge steak and cheesecake for dinner.

ohhhhh and since you love a good deal and free stufff just like me you should see about Groupon on my blog today…good in ANY city not just Portland!

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Oh my GOD this was exactly what I needed. THANK YOU for your amazing comment yesterday, I felt like a celebrity :) You are SO gorgeous and you made me feel a lot better about giving myself some time off.
I like to share a big bowl of edamame.. with lots of salt :)

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I love sharing meals… my mom and I normally collaborate and order two meals at restaurants and split them… she's my favorite eating partner :)

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This is such a great post…thanks for the little reminder! I am so prone to exercise guilt…and I've let it ruin many days. Life's too short!! Glad you enjoyed your time off :)

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This is so true, and hits close to home. I struggle with guilt if I miss a workout, and sometimes thinking about when I'm going to fit my workout in takes over my mind and doesn't allow me to enjoy what's going on in the present. It's ridiculous if we really think about it, but for some reason I can't seem to shake it.

I love that you were willing to share this. It's a hard issue to address, and I think it's a slow process for people like you or I.

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Oh my I needed to read this. I definitely suffer with exercise guilt and of course have the fear of gaining weight if I don't do X amount of exercise, especially on vacation. I am actually going away for this weekend and am already thinking about when I can go for a run and what kind of snacks I should bring if I can't get a good work out in. It's so ridiculous and time consuming, I just need to enjoy the company and have the memories!
Thank you for this reminder

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This is such a timely issue because I just got back from a vacation and was thinking I really should have brought my sneakers with me and gone for a couple of runs. I found myself missing running and thinking it would be a great way to see a new city. I also ate and drank my way through vacation and was feeling guilty about that too.
For me I think the key is moderation. being on vacation shouldn't mean I keep eating when I'm already full. It also shouldn't mean I go on grueling training runs. Running should be fun. If I think running is a fun way to experience a new place I should do it. If not, eff it. Especially on vacay, the joy factor is key!

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Thank you for this post! Sometimes I REALLY need this reminder! :)

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Could not have put it better myself. it has taken me a long time to realize this as well and i am not perfect at it, but it does make such a difference to rest and enjoy life :)

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I am going away for the weekend and I have decided to do only one workout and then enjoybthe hecknout of the rest of my time! Nice post.

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I just got back from vacation and I have to admit I was feeling a little guilty for not running everyday. This made me feel a lot better!!!

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Janae! This makes me so happy for you. I'm glad you had a fun weekend with the focus on the people you were with and not working out. I stay active on vacation but you'll never find me in a hotel gym. Walks on the beach? Sure thing! :)

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i have learned a lot from this when I got married. I love going with the hubs to races because it means I put him first. And you know what, I LOVE IT!! I cheer, I meet people, and its amazing. It took A LONG time to realize that. Thank goodness for our men.
:)

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I totally feel this post. It took me alot to realize its okay to miss a workout. I do the same–6 days and rest on sunday, but after being sick, going on vacation, etc, I have had a few days off and taught myself to stop stressing about it.. one day off and an extra peice of cake arent going to break the last few years of my fitness regimen.. great post girl!

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This post came at the perfect time! I was agonizing about taking the day off tomorrow from running, because my legs hurt but then I realized I don't want to get hurt and if that means taking two days off in a row it is ok. In the long run taking 2 days off is not going to affect me in any way other than preventing me from getting hurt.

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This is so fantastic. I often struggle with taking rest days–especially if they're unplanned. I get so anxious and guess what–it really doesn't matter if I don't work out for one stinkin' day!

PS–Um, that picture of you and Billy? You are so gorgeous! Wowza!

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I know exactly what you mean, I was at the beach over the weekend and planned to bring my running shoes, then at the last minute decided not to and take a few days off. It was nice and I was revving for a run when I got home. Its always nice to take a break and remind yourself that life does not revolve around your workout schedule (even though half the time we think it does) lol

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Smack-dab what I was loiokng for—ty!

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matt, i see what ur saying, but if u think about it, rich gaprsai doesn’t come up with his own products either. he is just the face of the products. kevin is going to be the face of the product even though someone else came up with it. it’s all about how u market it. there’s a lot of great products out there but those companies just don’t know how to market it.

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Great post! You are so right. I usually stress out prior to the trip, but once I am on it..I try to workout when possible and not feel guilty about it. The way I see it most vacations are spent doing something active for a good portion of the time. Cancels all of the unhealthy eating out. ;)

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love this post! you are gorgeous as well!

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Such a nice post! It's so easy to get caught up in working out non-stop. I finally found out it's ok to skip a run if your body needs a break during my marathon training.

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…"Leave the restaurant hungry and with forks stabs in his head"…HAHAHA!

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I GET SO ANXIOUS ABOUT MISSING WORKOUTS. It's my last two days in the DR (after living here for three years) and I finally had to say to my fiance. People are more important. If I don't run these two days, that's fine. I think I might get to anyways, but you know. :) It was still kind of a revelation.

I HATE SHARING FOOD. Well, other people sharing with me is GREAT. But vice versa. No THANKS! :)

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Thank you for this! I needed to read this today!

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I LIKE working out, so it makes it easier to squeeze in. WHen i feel like I HAVE to do it, I hate it, dread it, and it makes me anxious. On vacations my workouts are usually less than sub par ;) heh.

Great post!

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I hate sharing meals with my husband. He eats so fast and I eat slow. I feel like I have to rush to keep up with him so I'll get enough to eat. hahaha

I have had a hard time not being able to workout lately too! The last month (the ENTIRE month) I was sick with a killer sinus infection and it drove me crazy not to workout. One day during the middle of the month I was so desperate to workout that I took a barbell class. 10 minutes in and my head and sinuses were killing me. I ran to the locker room and took some tylenol and then headed back to class. I survived but it was not a good idea. Today was my first day back and it felt SO GOOD. Of course it drove me crazy to see how weak I became in just a month off. :(

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Good topic. Sometimes it's hard to not be preoccupied with working out on vacation. If it's a big, doesn't-happen-often vacation, I may not workout, just depends on the opportunities I'd be missing or if I want to. I won't force myself to, but I will if i'm bored with downtime or something. But if I'm at the lake…which we go to like 20 weekends each year, then I'll workout because that's less of a true vacation and more of a second home…

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I used to get really nervous about vacations because I didn't know if I would have time or a place to fit in a workout – but I learned that I need to breath and relax and enjoy – enjoy the scenery, the people, the food, the culture…everything! I have to admit though, I still get a little bit of exercise anxiety when I go away – and I still pack a running outfit and running shoes on most trips – just in case, but I think of it as a – if I have a moment and if it is something I can do with the people I am going away with – not because I feel I have to…great post – it is REAL issues, love it!

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I consider vacations cross training. Depending on where I go on vacation, I'm probably walking more or hiking or swimming. Last summer, my family went to Canada and my brother and I got up every day to run by Niagara Falls. They were short runs and the rest of the day was spent walking around. Even with all the alcohol I consumed, I ended up losing a few pounds.

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I don't even know you, and this isn't really any of my business, but from reading your blog for the past few months I just wanted you to know that I think you look SOO much more healthy and happy now than you did when you were running a million miles a week. I'm glad you're on the mend, but you seem much more grounded about your fitness schedule now. Happy trails and happy healing!

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Yum! Cafe Rio! Love me some pork salad!

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LOVE this entry. I seriously want to cuddle you until you pop for posting this!

I used to get INCREDIBLY anxious about this. Not even just when travelling – also on other busy days. eg. Christmas, the days of big exams, weddings, etc etc. I'd get up before sunrise to get in a workout because I COULDN'T HANDLE the idea of skipping a day. I convinced myself that exercising made me relaxed and better able to deal with the stresses of the day ahead. But in reality, it only CONTRIBUTED to the anxiety, by making an already-stressful day even WORSE.

I'm still working on these feelings, but I'm slooooowly getting better. On a recent work trip, I stopped myself from spending any time in the hotel gym, and instead went exploring the city on foot. It was fun, non-stressful, and meant I stayed active while ENJOYING my time away. Hopefully I'll be able to continue this way of thinking…. and better yet, learn to accept that it's ABSOLUTELY OKAY to spend a holiday (or ANY day!) lying by the pool, or on the couch, or whatever. No excuses necessary. I do not need to justify myself to anybody :)

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It is comforting to know I'm not the only one who suffers from exercise guilt! And food guilt! Thank goodness for your posts, they always make me feel so much better about myself. Thank you!

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Great post!!!! I used to have exercise guilt but after a couple of injuries, it just isn't worth it. Much more fun to live life :)

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I totally needed to read this.
Right now I'm supposed to be tapering because I have finals of NCAA Nationals in the 10k coming up Wednesday night. Yet I find it so hard to not run 10 miles a day, ya know?
I've been feeling so guilty and I'm extra worried about my food intake.
Like you said, this isn't what life (OR EXERCISE for that matter) is supposed to be about.
I'm supposed to run cuz I love it!
Anywayyy, thanks for this. Tomorrow I really will try to take it easy since it is my recovery day. :)
You're an inspiration.
<3

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my husband is exactly how you were. At our wedding, honeymoon, and recent roadtrip he would wake up early to work out cause we were eating so poorly. I just feel so stressed FOR him watching him count calories and force a workout. Then watching him do that made me feel lazy and “fat”…it’s still something I struggle with. This internal battle of having fun but looking in the mirror and saying that I look lazy… :(

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That’s going to make tihgns a lot easier from here on out.

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I have terrible “missing a workout” guilt and struggle to get over it. And feel even worse when I eat out or eat more on a day that I decided not to go for a run or the like. I really need to work on that. Thanks for the post!

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Oh no. Does this mean after my cruise post that God is going to break my legs? :/

Hmmm, maybe that’s why I got sick this week, to teach me what is most important …being healthy for myself and my family, not running every single day!

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Wow, you really hit the nail on the head here. I am completely the kind of person that feels guilty if I miss a workout and that thought just sits, nagging in the back of my mind. Heck, I’m not even training right now! Each day I have to remind myself of my priorities…. 1. God, 2. My husband & son, 4. Friends, 3. Running. Running is such a blessing, but our relationships in this life are so much more important. Great post – way to put it into perspective!

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Never mind my number-typo above :) woops!

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After reading some of the comments on this blog, Id have to say Im in agreement with the majority.

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