No Pain, No Gain?

I've disliked that saying since the first time I saw it on the wall of the workout room at a gym I visited for a time.  Does gain always have to be painful?  I think not, but also know that painless gain is rare. The event that brought on this musing today was the walk I took around the neighborhood wearing my new walking shoes.  They fit really well considering I bought them online. I did know when I bought them from the Earth Shoe Company that they would have negative heels - the company's term for the way they construct the shoe, so that when you wear them you stretch your leg muscles. In younger days I wore out several pairs of the same type of shoe. Now with my older body I find many parts complaining about the extra stretch after my walk. So, here's hoping for some gain in my fitness level.
On an entirely different topic, I finished reading the second book of Terry Pratchit's Discworld series. I heard about them from friends in Japan; Friends from New Zealand and England. I remember finding it improbable that the books could be any good as I had never heard of them or the author.  Goodness Gracious! I can be an insufferable American. The Light Fantastic contains several of the best (worst) puns I have ever come across. Thanks R.P. and G.O. for the recommendation.