Yesterday, I heard two coworkers outside of the bathroom talking.

“I went to the gym three times last week! I’m so proud of myself.”

I listened to them and smiled. Three workouts a week, I thought to myself. That’s a “bad” workout week for me–now. My base workout goal is to work out at least four times a week–work out more often than not. My realistic goal is to work out five days, and I would consider working out six days an awesome workout week.

Three years ago, I would have been really excited with three workouts in a week, too. I mean, then, I was super happy if I made it to the gym once or even twice a week.

Then I changed my life and started working out at least five times a week to meet my goals. I started loving to run races and I’ve spent most of the past two years training for race or another.

I currently have about a bajillion races on my schedule in the next few months. My current plan for that, by the way, is a sort of non-plan–continue the next few weeks trying to focus on strength and not be on a plan yet, do an 8-week training plan for the sprint tri that would start in late May, and then do a 16-week training plan for the NYC Marathon starting in July and just readjust some of the running parts of the sprint tri plan.

Sure, working out 5-6 days a week is great and awesome and healthier for you and what the experts recommend, but really, working out at all is better than not working out. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. Stop comparing yourself to others. Stop giving a fuck. Sure, some people may work out twice a day, but that doesn’t mean you’re any better or worse or healthier or unhealthier than them. (And yes, I write this to remind myself, too.)

I like exercising to maintain my weight, to stay healthy, to look good, to stay sane. But I also REALLY like sitting on my couch. And hanging out with my friends. Sometimes I really have no desire to work out almost every day–and that’s okay.

Be proud of what you have done, not what you haven’t done.

I mean. I ran a freaking marathon. (And no. I will never get tired of saying that.) I lost 50 pounds.

So, just out of curiosity, how many days a week do you work out? And what healthy accomplishments are you proud of?