When I read about ice storms, blizzards and sub-zero temperatures in other parts of the country, I am reluctant to complain about our weather. It has been chilly and damp for two weeks. We've had low clouds with rain or drizzle every day. It's not freezing cold, but the dampness makes me feel cold all the time.

I had to force myself to swim these past two weeks. I stood on the side of the pool putting my goggles on and asking myself, "Why am I doing this?" The water is the same temperature in the indoor pool as it is on a sunny day. But since I felt so cold already, the idea of jumping into the water was oppressive.

Of course once I got in and swam my warm up laps I felt great. Then I remembered why I was making myself swim. The exercise cleared my mind and energized me.

This morning I printed the February issue of our school paper. When I finished it wasn't raining, so I drove to my favorite park to run. I scrambled to the top of the hill and was hit in the face by a blast of cold, misty air. I shivered and again said, "Why am I doing this?"

I started running, avoiding the muddy spots on the trail. By the time I had run a half-mile I was feeling better, and I picked up my pace. Just before the one-mile mark, I broke a sweat. I had more energy with every step. When I reached the end of my route and climbed back to the top of the hill, the misty air no longer bothered me.

It sometimes takes an act of will to exercise. My Type O self is always glad when I force through my reluctance, my excuses, and my sluggishness. The feeling at the end of a workout is ample answer to the questions I sometimes ask at the beginning.