Pain and Gain

I have heard the phrase: "No Pain No Gain" many times. I haven't ever really believed it. In middle school I decided to try track and field. I can't remember exactly how long I made it, maybe two weeks. It was not fun doing conditioning in Ohio in January, that is putting it lightly and into good perspective. So the beginning of my "athleticism" was rough. I didn't run again, EVER! I hate running, I think for women it is harder to run anyway, unless you are blessed with a flat chest! But I digress. This past week I have been trying to push myself harder during exercise, making myself try for longer durations and so on. I managed a personal best in everything yesterday. My coordination was working well, my rhythm was working well and my stamina was much improved; until my calf muscles cramped up after the longest time I have run at once: 7 minutes. Don't laugh, that is a long time for me, my normal is at most 3 minutes. So I was trying to make it to 10 minutes, and the last leg of the run was actually and jog and speed walk, but I didn't stop. I was hobbling along with both legs stiff as boards below the knee, but I made it! I was so happy! I ran longer than I ever had before and fought through the pain, that in itself is worth it to me. Since my routine is getting much smoother and I am scoring much higher I am guessing I am building up the muscles and coordination that I have not had in quite a long time. That is making it all worth it to me for now. I haven't really lost weight, but I haven't gained either, so for now that is fine. As long as I am gaining body control and not weight, the pain is worth it!!