Motivation Hurts - $150 Visa Gift Card drawing from The Laughing Cow

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and The Laughing Cow.

I'll be honest, it's a struggle for me to exercise and do the things I know I should do to be fit.

Every now and then, though, I'll get into a groove, and I do quite well, but I'm bad about waiting until I get in the "right frame of mind" before I get motivated and with the program.

Motivation found me one summer as I was hiking with friends. We were descending a mountain after an overnight stay at the top, and we were looking about as good as you might think we'd look after an 8 mile hike each way at a high altitude.

I was already a little down on myself because I was probably the slowest member of the group, and I was wishing I had been a little more conditioned for the trip, when the male members of my party "took notice" of a pretty girl headed the opposite way.

Something about that struck me, and I vowed I'd be the one turning heads next time. Don't ask me why, it was just a moment of inspiration.

I dieted and ran dutifully upon my return home. Each evening, I'd go out and pound the pavement to a little chant that summed up my situation, and matched my running pace.

Yeah, like I'd really tell you what the chant was...

Unfortunately, one evening, I got a little too far into my rhythm and inspirationally chanted my way face down into a ditch.

I got my wish, though: I was the one turning heads.

Have you done any funny things to motivate yourself or someone you know to exercise? Do tell, for a chance to win!

Share a funny story in the comment section, tweet or blog about this entry (be sure to leave a link to your efforts in the comments below), and you will be entered to win a $150 Visa gift card.

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Please keep your comments G-rated as any profanity or offensive content will automatically disqualify you from sweepstakes entry.

Sweepstakes dates are 10/11/10-11/7/10. Find out more from the official contest rules.

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