It is way to easy to find an excuse not to run or exercise! Every New Year we are full of gusto and good intentions but then life seems to get in the way. It could be the weather, our kids, our jobs or even our inner critics rearing their ugly heads….here are some tips on how to overcome those pesky excuses!
So lets start with the weather, in lieu of todays snow and dropping temperatures, with the classic "It's too ccccold". If you are running outside then just dress appropriately, layer up with dri-fit fabrics and a waterproof to retain the body heat. Always protect the extremities; gloves, hats, gators, balaclavas, smart wool socks, etc. Today I wore 3 long sleeved wicking tees and an all-weather running jacket, thermal running pants and my gator, hat and gloves. It was 21 degrees F when i left my house, by mile 1 I was too hot! I once read that you should dress as if it were 10 degrees warmer than it actually is. More importantly, you need to get out of those sweaty clothes ASAP. Don't linger and let yourself catch a chill. If you have to leave your warm and toasty home to get to the gym, don't give yourself a choice. Get up, throw some sweats over your gym clothes and think about the crazy people who are out running in that cold ;) Its getting out your front door thats usually half the battle, which leads me to another excuse….you are just not motivated.
If all the hype of New Years Resolutions hasn't kick started your training plan then you may need help to get going. You could join a running group, pair up with a friend or hire yourself a coach like me :) (sorry, shameless plug!) Seriously, it makes you more accountable and you are less likely to bail if you know someone is waiting for you.
How about the infamous "I just don't have time", Im telling you, you do! When my son was an infant and I was a full-time working single mom I had to be creative but I did it…and so can you! Even if its 30 minutes its better than nothing, or perhaps do 30 in the morning and another 30 at night… trust me you will feel better after!
If i'm feeling "I'm too tired" or "I'll get bored" then I will switch up my playlist…new music always pumps me up, or maybe I'll change my route…run a completely new direction. If you really need an extra boost, buy new running gear! There's nothing like a run in fresh new kicks!
Here's the one I hear the most, your inner critic telling you you can't, or just feeding you negative thoughts…It's a LIAR!!!! Our thoughts can sabotage us, it could be things like embarrassment, self consciousness or fear of failure. Whatever its saying you need to drown it out with positivity. Replace the criticism etc with positive affirmations, I can, I will, I am. If you say it enough you will eventually believe it:)
So lets ditch the excuses….say or do whatever necessary to get you up and out...you are in control!!
For daily motivational quotes go to: www.Facebook.com/H4Fitness
