Last week after I was done working out with my friend, I decided to run across the street to pick up a few tank tops at the mall. It seemed silly to go all the way home and get fixed up just to drive back to where I already was. There was a big vertical stripe of sweat on my back, and I felt like I must look really nasty. As I pulled into the parking lot, I started to feel self conscious and worry about what people might think. I wondered if the salespeople would tell me not to try on the clothes. I started to worry about what other people might think too. Still, I grabbed my purse and headed through the door and up to the lingerie department.
I quickly grabbed the 3 tanks that I was there for and turned to find the register. As I turned, there was the sales lady standing right there. A little thrown off, I started to tell her that I was ready to check out. She smiled and said, "Would you like to try those on?". I felt surprised that she was asking me the very thing that I thought she would NOT want me to do. I quickly said, "Oh no! I'm sweaty and nasty! I'm sorry. It's just that I just got done working out across the street...". She cut me off and said, "Oh honey, you look just fine. You look like a girl that knows how to work hard!" I was so surprised. I felt myself smiling and standing a little taller. I paid, thanked her, and walked towards my car. Only this time...I wasn't embarrassed or rushing because of my sweaty shirt. This time I walked out with a new perspective.
I'm so grateful that the kindness of a stranger helped me understand what I should have already known. My sweaty tank top was a symbol of my desire to work hard and be strong. It was a sign that I didn't stop when it got hard or when it was hot. I kept going and I had the mark to prove it. I realized that my sweat was not something to be ashamed of but a badge of honor! Now, when I walk out of the gym or come off the trail after a tough run and I am sweaty, I try to remember that day and feel proud...not nasty!
that's a great story ! i love how sometimes the simplest words from strangers would actually make you feel way better about yourself , keep up the new skinny
ReplyDeleteYou are such an inspiration to me and I am sure so many others. Thank you for taking the time to post and inspire us.
ReplyDeleteTRUE! I always wore those dry fit shirts, well they are great, but I always felt self conscious about sweat on my back and under my arms. Since about a year I also wear cotton shirts... In color! :) If you don't sweat after a work out, you're doing it wrong. Thanks for the story.
ReplyDeleteI dont mind going places when im a hot mess after a work out or run... I hope that someone eles will see it and think that they can do it too. But hats off to you!
ReplyDeleteThe gym where I teach Spinning is right across the street from Whole Foods. Since we're in Chicago and everyone walks everywhere, Whole Foods is always full of sweaty, post-workout people. I go everywhere sweaty. I just don't care, cause hey, I have to run errands. Good for you !!
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
ReplyDeleteOne of these days, I am going to work out as hard as you and get healthy and strong again. Maybe in several years once all my kids are grown up and in school.
ReplyDeleteWow~ Love this! You go girl!
ReplyDeleteInspiring & motivating story! I used to be self conscious about be sweaty too. Working out at CrossFit Havoc all last summer in an Oklahoma heat wave that broke all kinds of records of at least 90 days of triple didget temps & no rain, broke me of being embarrassed about being sweaty. I soaked my t-shirt every day! I'm proud to say it doesn't bother me any more. And I'm proud to wear that badge of honor =D
ReplyDeletehellyeah!!! you earned the sweat marks, be proud =)
ReplyDeleteLOVE IT! On the days that I do two back-to-back classes at the gym, my reward to me for the hard work is to go to the Starbucks just down the street. Yes, I go in there dripping with sweat and sit at the bar to drink my coffee and hang out a bit with the awesome people that work there and some regular customers. No one minds that I am wearing my badge of honor - and I often get similar compliments! Sometimes I think that people are truly impressed when people take the time to work hard on themselves in a different kind of way than just looking perfectly put together.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great reminder ! Thanks for pointing out the fact that we should be proud of ourselves for working hard. Inspiring others to get fit and live a healthy sustainable life is truly one of my passions!
ReplyDelete(BTW... just order my SINS sweats and can't wait to rock 'em!)
Does it ever happen to any of you guys that after a good run, when you are sweating profusely, that you have this whiff of ammonia in your nose?
Delete