You might have a lot of excuses for why you shouldn´t go running. But do you know that very few of those excuses are rational? Its all about mental attitude. Where there is a will, there is a way, so kiss your bad excuses and mental blocks goodbye with this article.
We have either come up with them ourselves or heard others say them out loud. I am tired and its late. Its way too hot outside, I´ll do it later (probably not). My running gear isn´t clean. Everyone else runs a lot better then me. I always get taken over anyway. Its way too hard.
Classic excuses not to get out there. Simple remarks to avoid running. But can I tell you a secret? They don´t stick. There are no excuses for not running - as there are always one or more solutions.
1.Excuse - ”The weather is terrible for running"
Nonsense! As an old saying goes, "There is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing." And it is true, especially if you prepare yourself ahead.
You can run in all kinds of weather. You only need the right clothes. But if you don´t like running when its burning hot or when its pouring down, you should plan your workouts ahead. Check out the local weather reports and plan when you want to run during the day. You always have the option to plan your workout according to the weather. Perhaps you plan to do 30 km or intervals, but instead you end up going for a light jog. But at least you get out there. Perhaps you don´t get the workout you were planning but you still manage to get out there. What is most important?
2.Excuse - "Everone else runs a lot faster"
So what? Does it matter how fast everyone else runs? Running is all about you, and not everyone else. Every runner has a different story and different targets. There will always be somebody who runs faster and longer - and they are welcome to. That´s what they want. You should just focus on how much you want to run. And its ok. Actually its more than just ok. The fact that you make the effort is soo cool. So, enjoy your run and don´t waste your time and energy on focusing on everyone else.
3. Excuse – ”Running is too hard”
… But training makes you better! You are never going to meet a runner who doesn´t think that running is hard sometimes. Everone faces it. Running is tough for the body, but it is also very healthy. Its a matter of getting into a great rhythm where you schedule your running. Perhaps you want to run twice a week, and in a months time, it won´t feel so tough anymore.
You can also choose to stop before you get completely exhausted. If you get to a certain point during your run where you just feel like you can go on forever, then stop right there. In this way you get home with a positive and great experience where you can already look forward to your next run!
4. Excuse – ”I have a terrible style”
Who has got the perfect technique? There isn´t a perfect way of running. We´re all different which is also why there are numerous ways of running. We cannot and shouldn´t run alike. And who says the others you meet on your way look better in terms of style? Perhaps they actually prefer your style to their own. So stop putting yourself down.
Straighten your shoulders, push your chest forward and run with pride - ¨cause you´re running!
5. Excuse – ”Can´t make it today…”
How many times have you said it? I haven´t met any runner who hasn´t made that excuse. Its all about planning. If you want to run, then put it into your daily schedule. Just like you want to eat breakfast, play with your children, go for a walk with your friends or watch a movie. In the same way, you can also make time for a run. Again, you don´t have to go for a 10km run every day. If you don´t have much time, then a short run is time well spent. If you have lots of time, use it.
A good tip is to sit down every Sunday and go through the next week. On which days is your calendar completely full - and on which days can you find a gap, or make a gap? In that way its easy to plan your training and prepare mentally for your run, so you´re ready to get going.
So next time you consider making one of the excuses above or your running partner comes up with one, then remind yourself or him/her of the above and drop the excuse(s). Get out there! You will be so much happier and enjoy so much more energy afterwards.
Enjoy your run!
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