Top excuses to not run – and how to beat them
Don’t have the time
Prioritise. Ask yourself one question – if you are not running then what are you doing instead… Watching T.V., meeting friends, in the pub, at work??
Surely you can take 30 minutes out of your day to fit a wee run in. If you’re really stuck for time, divide your run up between the morning and evening, your body will still get the same benefits.
I don’t like it
You probably think you don’t like it because you’ve been stuck doing activities that you don’t enjoy. Many people still have the old “no pain, no gain” mentality and think that in order for exercise to be worthwhile you have to be miserable doing it. This just isn’t true. Perhaps you set unrealistic goals for yourself and challenged yourself too much. Start with small attainable goals and build on these every week. Download a playlist with your favourite tunes… Go running with a friend or partner – all these little things can help.
It’s Too Cold Outside
As they say “There’s no such thing as bad weather – just bad clothes.” So don’t let the winter get in the way of an enjoyable run. Let’s face it, if you wait for the perfect sunny day to get going, you’ll be waiting a long time! 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.
I’m too tired
It may sound counter-intuitive but working out actually gives you more energy. Ever heard the saying ‘Energy makes energy’. Once you get moving, your fatigue will likely disappear as you are getting the endorphins to release and the circulation going — as opposed to coming home and crashing on the couch. If you find you are really tired at the beginning of your run, start off by walking and pick up the pace slowly.