When I talk to others about running, people often say that they would like to run more but they always find some kind of excuse not to. Well, overcoming excuses is what Mrs Motivator is all about, so in an effort to eradicate this pesky problem I have decided to create the Running Excuse Eraser- a quick reference guide to refer to when an evil excuse is threatening to spoil your good intentions. Just look for the relevant excuse and use this as a weapon to squash it dead!
The excuse: It’s blowing a gale outside!
Why you should run: Think of wind as an added challenge, forcing you to work harder and burn more calories than a run on a calm day. If it’s windy you could run for less time than normal for an equivalent energy-burning session, or take your workout to the next level by running intervals into the wind and jogging away to recover. A breezy day can also give your cheeks an extra-rosy post-run glow better than any facial!
The excuse: It’s raining cats and dogs.
Why you should run: There is no such thing as bad weather for running (see above), just extra challenges that make you an all-round tougher athlete! Benefits of running in the rain include the refreshing feel of the water on your skin once you work up a sweat and, if you are a hayfever sufferer like me, a lower pollen count on wet days making for easier breathing and better performance. There is also the pleasure of having the streets and parks to yourself as more wimpish souls stay indoors.
The excuse: I don’t have time.
Why you should run: You don’t need to give up hours of your life to run; As a means of keeping fit, it takes up less time than other sports, requiring no travel time and available at any time of day. Everyone should be able to find the odd 30 minutes to run, and if you really can’t, try splitting it up so you do half your workout in the morning and half in the evening. Scientists have shown that this is just as effective as working out for long periods at a time, and is a better use of your time than watching a half-hour programme on TV or staring into the fridge wondering what to cook tonight…
The excuse: I’m too tired to run.
Why you should run: Studies have shown that exercising can actually bosot your energy and make you feel less tired. Even if you don’t feel up to your usual distance, the simple act of getting into your running gear and going for a gentle jog can wake you up and make you feel energetic enough to run further or help you feel more refreshed and alert when you return.
The excuse: I’ve got too much work/studying to do.
Why you should run: If you’re staring at a deadline you might feel guilty leaving your work, but many runners find they think clearer after a run, or even come up with more creative answers to problems whilst running. If you are struggling to concentrate you will work better after a break, and you might as well use that break productively with exercise that stimulates your circulation and your mind rather than spacing out in front of the TV.
The excuse: I’m hungry and want to eat now.
Why you should run: A quick burst of exercise, such as a light run, takes your mind off food and temporarily reduces your appetite, making it great for those trying to diet. And if you wait until after a run to eat, your raised metabolism will burn off energy more quickly and you will appreciate your food more.
Other Recommended Reading
- Run Away Those Callories! Motivational Tip 6
- Keep Running – Motivational Tip 3
- Keep Running – Motivational Tip Number 1
- That couple that runs together – Motivational Tip 12
- Run for your life! Motivational Tip 5
About the author
I am a trained medical doctor and a writer specialising in health and medicine, fitness and outdoor sports and dreaming about becoming a novelist. I have been a runner for many years and have run-explored in places around the world including Paris, Barcelona, Lausanne, Porto, California, New York and North Carolina, to name a few. I also enjoy swimming, cycling, badly attempting sailing and other watersports, and thinking about doing a triathlon (whilst sitting comfortably at home drinking copius amounts of tea).
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