Excuses, Excuses

Do you make excuses not to run?  I try to.  In fact, every time I am about to go to the gym after work, I send texts home asking "are you sure it's okay?  you don't need any help with the boy?"...I know he doesn't need any help, but it is my way of expending the only excuse I can muster.  Because even though I actually am too busy, too tired, and usually still sore from a previous workout, I still manage to run.  And if I can do it, so can you.  

This is my attempt at responding to every excuse I could imagine someone would give me:

I’m tired

If you are going to do anything other than sleep instead of run, grab a healthy snack and go for a run.  It will energize you.

I don’t have time

Yes, you do.  There are 24 hours in every day.  You just haven’t made running a priority.  Write out your typical daily schedule, with precise times, and see what you can change.  You’ll be surprised. 

It’s too boring

“If you’re bored, its because you’re boring”.  Okay not really, but this is too easy to fix.  Make a new running route, change up your routine on the treadmill, listen to a different playlist, do something to get excited about running.  I hear there’s a great app called Zombies, Run that can make workouts more exciting. And if you ALWAYS think running is too boring, maybe you should look into other types of workouts.  Running isn't for everyone.  

I’m just not motivated

Write down why you want to run.  Is it to train for a race?  Lose weight?  Break a PR?  It doesn't matter what it is, just find a concrete goal and write it down somewhere.  There’s your motivation. 

It’s too ______ outside

Yeah, yeah.  I don’t like to run in the rain either.  That’s what treadmills are for.  Too cold?  Same.  Or, invest in proper cold weather gear and get out there.  Too hot?  Rethink the time of day you’re running.  Wait til dusk, or plan to get up early.  Or cross-train   Go to a gym, find an exercise video on YouTube, something.  Come on, be creative.  Don’t let the weather have so much control over you. 

I’m busy with my kids

This is a good excuse, to an extent.  I feel bad going for a long run on a Sunday afternoon when I could be spending time with my 2 year old.  But he knows “mommy goes running” and I’m happy that I’m setting a good example for him.  If you have a childcare issue, try to coordinate with another mom, use a jogging stroller, or join a gym that has a nursery. 

I’m self-conscious

You are the only person that is judging you.  Anyone that’s running will applaud your effort, and anyone who isn't running isn't as motivated and courageous as you, so their opinion doesn't matter. 

I’m not a morning person

Then don’t run in the morning.  No, I’m serious.  I’m not a morning person either.  So I run in the afternoon or at night.  (If it is dark, I run on the treadmill.)

I’m too old

No you’re not.  Unless you have a valid medical issue or a doctor has told you “do not run”, you aren't too old.  Who cares if you are a beginner at 50? 

It’s that time of the month/I’m PMS-ing

Lame.  While you were getting a note to get out of gym class, the rest of us learned that exercise helps relieve a lot of those symptoms. Make a deal with yourself, if you do at least 15 minutes and still feel like garbage, you can quit.  I bet you won’t quit.  

I get running cramps

Focus on your breathing when you are running.  Also wait long enough after eating before you go out for a run (just like swimming, it's about 30 minutes).  Go easy, and if you get a cramp focus on breathing.  Slow to a light jog, or even a walk, but don’t stop.  Running through it is the best advice, it may hurt but after you become better at running it won’t happen as often.

I’m too fat

That is just silly. Wear clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident.  No one is going to judge you as critically as you are judging yourself.  Plus, you will lose weight running, so its an excuse that can only be fixed by not using it as an excuse.  Really, if you are that uncomfortable running outdoors, look for a gym that feels welcoming, and go at times that it isn't very crowded.

I don’t have a workout partner

Neither do I.  That’s why I use my iPhone and listen to music.  Yes, having a running buddy can be motivating, but it can also have the opposite effect.  Look on the bright side, you don’t have someone else’s excuses to drag you down too!  And you don’t have to motivate anyone else but yourself!

I don’t feel safe

Valid.  Find someplace safe to run, like a gym, a high school track, a running route that is busy with other runners, etc.  If you must run at night and don’t feel safe, consider a headlamp, reflective clothing, and carry a handheld mace/pepper spray.  Always bring a cell phone and always tell someone else where you will be and when you will be back.  Be cautious. 

I have a blister

You need to take better care of your feet.  Make sure you are wearing the “right” shoes and socks.  Running shoes should not be snug.  Also, you can drain the blister and apply a blister band-aid or liquid bandage, then go run. 

It hurts my boobs when I run

You need a better sports bra!  Make sure that you get one that is the proper size and is “high impact”.  A flimsy shelf bra top that works for yoga class is not appropriate for running.  Neither is a cotton, 2 for $9.99 “sports bra”.  Yes, you will pay at least $20 for a decent sports bra, but it is worth it and very necessary.   

I slept in

Too easy.  Run tonight. 

I forgot to charge my iPod

Run without it.  No, really.  Try to focus on your breathing, your form, the sound of your feet hitting the ground. You don't know what you're missing if you always run with headphones in.  

I’m sore from yesterday’s workout

Running a “recovery run” can be helpful.  Go slow, make sure you do a ton of stretching after warming up.  Your muscle soreness will go away faster if you work out. 

I’m injured

If you are actually, truly injured, do not run.  Take care of yourself.  If you are able to run, maybe a light jog on a lower-impact surface (i.e. not pavement).  Consider low or non-impact cross training rather than foregoing exercise altogether.  Be sure to see a doctor if you are really injured (I am not a doctor, so don’t use anything I say in place of a qualified, professional medical opinion.).  However, don’t be a malingerer.  Don’t stop running/exercising completely because you “have shin splints” that you self-diagnosed because your shins hurt after you ran a mile.  Similarly, muscle soreness for previous days should not be mistaken for an injury.  Pay attention to your body. 

I’m lazy

At least you’re honest.  But remember, laziness is a choice.  So choose to be lazy and sit on the couch, or choose to fight through your laziness and throw on those running shoes. 

So now, stop making excuses and go RUN!