I’ve gotta admit something.

First off don’t you love how dramatic this blog has become, it’s basically a 7th grade sleepover at this point.

Anyway.

So I’ve gotta admit something… I hate exercising, I hate it almost as much as I hate mushrooms.

There, I’ve finally admitted it.

No seriously, it’s taken me until now to admit something I’ve known since first grade.

I really despise exercise.

I hear it makes you feel great, it improves mental health, overall wellbeing, fitness, cardiac health… blah blah. People I was a public health major, I’ve spouted these things too.

While I wholeheartedly believe that exercise is beneficial, I really really don’t like it.

It’s kinda like getting an annual check up at the lady doctor (who I realize is not actually called the “lady doctor”), it’s necessary and beneficial but no one finds it fun.

That’s basically how I feel about exercise, yes I did just compare exercise to going to the gynecologist.

Sure the fresh air is nice, the fact that I’m not winded when I run a mile, oh and that I might be increasing my overall life expectancy, but the rest? Please. Is there anyone who would really rather run than eat cake? If you’re the runner let’s chat, I’ll make you a delicious cake and then you tell me which you’d rather have. Just joking, come teach me your magical exercise loving ways.

Ok but seriously, do you know why I exercise?

So I don’t keel over at 50.

That’s it.

While I don’t like exercising I love to cook.

No really, I read cookbooks for the thrill of finding new recipes. Stay with me people, this isn’t that much weirder than running.

Ok so I love to cook, and I take the approach that food is meant to be enjoyed.  I think if you’re going to cook it should count, that it should be worth all the calories you’re consuming. I also think that the secret ingredient in real food is real ingredients. Let’s not sub out skim milk for heavy cream or heaven forbid almond milk  (well we can sometimes), use butter not margarine, make it count people.

I mean I also think that while we’re making it count moderation in all things is necessary, by all means make and eat that delicious cheesecake but have a reasonable piece not half a cheesecake.

Anyway, I exercise because full fat dairy is my jive, well not really, but I run because I want to eat real food like a real person and not like a bird.

I also exercise because I have three kids. I want to say that I do it so I can keep up with them and live a long and happy life, but that would be… lying.

I exercise because it’s either exercise or get rid of one or more kids.

I run until I can think about the day without shuddering. I run until I’m tired enough to sleep off my frustration.

I wish I loved to run, I wish half marathons were a thing I did… they’re not.

But I’m done smiling along when people say they love to exercise.

I don’t. Not even a little tiny bit.

There’s something oddly freeing in admitting that you regularly participate in something that is not fun.

So there you have it, my secret’s out… and honestly I think I’m ok with that.

Though in all fairness if anyone wants to help me love exercise, I’m open to suggestions, coaching, etc.