Update: After re-reading, I think this post sounds a little ranty. I really found the guy’s comment humorous more than anything. In fact, when I walk by him in the hallway now, I act like I’m about to run, just to see what he’ll do.
Big Coworker Guy: So, you work out a lot?
Me: Yeah, I guess.
BCG: Do you like it?
Me: Yeah, I do. Most the time, anyway.
BCG: So would you say you’d rather work out than do anything else?
Me: Well, not anything. But probably most things.
BCG: Geez, you really know how to piss fat people off, don’t you?
Here’s the thing, I get grouchy if I don’t work out. It’s not like I’m some 5% bodyfat, protein powder obsessed, feel the burn kind of girl, I just have to do something almost every day to feel good.
I wasn’t always like this, though. I could get by on one or two workouts a week, sometimes none at all and feel fine. But that was before a lot of things were working against me. Stress, full-time work and age are unforgiving. Soon, a walk around the block or a day at the beach doesn’t have the amazing effects it used to on calorie burn. I realized I could no longer just stay in shape by walking around my college campus. So I run. And bike when I can. And do some weight training a couple times a week. And, if possible, go to yoga. They all kick my ass and they all make me a happier person.
It’s hard for me now to imagine getting through life without being able to go for a run. When I’m trying to write or figure something out at work and it’s just not happening, I go for a run. Almost immediately, the thoughts start flowing. When I can’t seem to make a decision, I try a tempo run. Everything starts making better sense when your heart rate hits 160. I don’t think I would have survived the Winter break-up of 2004 without my treadmill. I had to replace the belt on that one.
So, no, when I work out I’m not trying to irritate anyone. It’s not because I’m showing off, it’s because I’m being selfish. I don’t do other things well if I don’t run or do things that will help me run better. It is about me but I’m not trying to piss you off. In fact, when I tell you I need to go for a run before I talk to you or deal with something, pissing you off is exactly what I’m trying to avoid.