No shame in the fitness game.

I was jogging down the Creeper Trail one morning, listening to a podcast and keeping the effort light.  A man on a recumbent bicycle passed me going up the trail.  A little while later, I reached my halfway point, turned around, and headed back up the trail.  Eventually, I overtook the man on the bicycle and passed him.  As I passed him, he said “Aren’t you ashamed of me?”

I immediately replied “No!  You’re out here doing something!” And then, because I am an overthinker, I replayed our brief conversation for the rest of my run.  

Nobody should ever feel ashamed of themselves, or expect shame from others, just because someone else might be stronger or faster than them. It absolutely does not matter how fast or strong you are compared to others!  The only thing that matters is that you take your health/fitness seriously and do what you can to maintain or improve it. I have great respect for anyone who is out there doing their best. It makes me sad to think that anyone would feel shame just because I might happen to pass them on the trail.

Please, never apologize for getting out there and improving your health & fitness.  Never apologize for being “slow.”  Speed is all relative anyway! No matter your chosen method of exercise, you are gaining health benefits for your body and mind, and I am proud of you for doing so!