I brake for almost anything
I would have bet big bucks that this amazing Atlanta weather would have made it super easy for me to go for a run. However, I would have lost that bet. This week, I have had plans to get out and exercise everyday, but it seems that I keep finding excuses not to go. I did get in a little run yesterday behind the jogging stroller, but even then, I came up limping from a weird leg pain. So — I now have another excuse, “My leg hurts.”
During lunch today (when I had planned to go running), I instead went for the #5 combo from the Pinnacle Cafe – with fries – and as I was catching up on email, I found a timely message waiting in my inbox: “Top Excuses not to Run”. I know we talk mostly about running on this site, but I think we should bucket these as excuses not to exercise in general. I can’t take credit for anything past this paragraph – All following content borrowed from Christine Luff’s post.
1. “I Don’t Have Time to Run.”
Lack of time is one of the most popular excuses for skipping runs. But squeezing in your workouts may not be as impossible as you think. Instead of watching TV for 30 minutes, put on your running shoes and get moving. Or, divide your run up between the morning and evening — your body still gets mostly the same benefits.
2. “I Get Bored Easily.”
It’s easy to get stuck in a running rut. We get comfortable running the same routes or it’s easier to just jump on the treadmill. Shake up your running routine by mapping out some new routes using sites such as MapMyRun.com. Or, sign up for some local races — it will force you to run someplace different and it’ll help get you motivated.
3. “I’m Just Not Motivated to Run.”
All runners go through some periods when they’re lacking motivation. One smart way to get inspired to keep running is to find a running group. When you know other people are counting on you to be at a workout, you’re more likely to show up. And the social interaction and competition that comes with group training also help boost your motivation.
4. “It’s Too Cold (or Hot) Outside.”
I always tell runners, “There’s no such thing as bad weather — just bad clothes.” In other words, if you’re dressed properly and prepared to deal with less-than-ideal running weather, you can still go for a run — and actually enjoy it. Get tips and precautions to take for running in the cold, heat, and rain.
5. “I’m Busy With My Kids.”
As a mother, I know how tough it can be to fit in a run when you’re busy caring for your family. But it’s important for you — and your kids — that you get a chance to do something you enjoy that makes you feel good. Try to make running more a priority in your life and be a little selfish. Schedule your runs and get your spouse on board so you get help with some of the child-care responsibilities. And get creative and take advantage of opportunities to run. For example, if you’re watching your kid’s soccer game, run some laps around the field before or even during the game.
So, what’s your excuse? Let us know how you have run through the slumps and excuses. We all need a little extra motivation from time to time.
Comments on this entry are closed.