How you ever planned a ride, but when the time came, you experienced an overwhelming desire to avoid it, to sleep in, to stay on the couch, to put it off until later?

Some say that it is a craving for endorphins that drives endurance runners and long distance cyclists to train well beyond the limits of what is deemed normal, or rationale. Endorphins are released into the blood stream and create a euphoric affect, commonly known as runner’s high. Its affects are typically most pronounced when the athlete is exhausted, but continues to exercise by sheer will power.

So what is it that explains the urge we feel to remain inert? Is there some chemical compound, produced naturally in our bodies, that robs us of the energy and motivation?

The answer could be related to muscle memory. Muscle memory is a neuromuscular process that allows us to accomplish basic tasks, like brushing our teeth, or combing our hair, while thinking of other things.

On a higher order, musicians and athletes develop muscle memory so they can sing while playing the guitar, or to read a cue sheet while turning the cranks on a bicycle.

Could it be that the pain we feel when we are getting back into shape is stored as part of muscle memory? Could there be an anti-endorphin?

Two compounds enable muscle memory. One of them is serotonin.Among other things, Serotonin is believed to play an important role in body temperature, mood, sleep, sexual impulse, and appetite.

Endorphins may be addictive, but apparently, not as powerful as deep-rooted memories of the physical exertion required to feel their affect. Perhaps, muscle memory triggers the release of serotonin as a defensive mechanism.

I am not an endocrinologist, so all of this is pure conjecture. But if that is the case, is it any wonder we feel like staying under the covers instead of exercising?

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