No More Excuses!!
If you’re like me, you’ll know that after a week without “cardio” exercise, it is REALLY difficult to get back on track and get back into the gym. Yesterday, I made every excuse under the sun not to run… I’ll give you a few just for entertainment.
I shouldn’t run because…
- It’s raining outside and I feel miserable
- It’s my first day back to work ~ I should rest instead
- My gym clothes are in the car so I’d have to go outside to get them and face the rain
- I should go get house keys made instead because it will take a long time (really, it took 5 minutes)
- I should stay at work for an extra hour (despite the fact it was not too busy)
- I shouldn’t run inside on the treadmill
- I should wait until I can run outside
Finally, I woke up and wondered… “why am I making so many excuses?”… I then made a compromise with myself and said, ok why don’t you just go to the gym and do the elliptical or walk, do something light to ease yourself back into the gym, that way if I want to run the next day when it’s sunny, it won’t be as difficult…
So, off I went, ran outside in the rain to get my gym clothes, got changed, walked into the gym and the ellipticals were all taken. So then I thought, ok I’ll just walk on treadmill instead… Well as I was walking, I got the urge to speed it up. I don’t know where my former “I love to make excuses” self went, but somehow I wound up doing running intervals for 40 minutes. I believe my inspiration came from Angela, since I read her blog yesterday where she did something similar.
My workout consisted of alternating between the following:
- Walking for 1.5 minutes at 3.6 mph
- Running for 1.5 minutes at 6.0 mph
When I was done, I was energized AND pumped and I honestly, actually fully enjoyed it. Plus, I logged 3.14 miles! That is the most mileage I’ve ever done on a treadmill. I know half of it was walking, but this time, I’m not making excuses, I’m proud of myself for doing it! When I got home, I quick went back and read through your inspirational comments that you posted when I announced that I was training for a 5K and now I can’t wait to go for another run tomorrow! I think the biggest takeaway from your comments was that I need to go at my own pace. Although training plans are great, I think for my first 5K, I may be ditching the C25K plan now and just doing what feels right/good/comfortable especially since I’m just getting into running. My goal is to also focus on strictly running outside from here on out, unless there’s rain 
I also know that I have to listen to my body and not push it TOO far especially since it’s my first race.
FABULOUS mileage, girl!! And good luck with your goals!!
That’s my mantra for my 1/2! Slow and steady, finish strong! Woot!
And good for you for getting out there and getting in some exercise.
I think your plan sounds great!
I did the same thing with my first 5K last year. I started out doing the couch to 5K, but ended up just doing what felt good that day until I could run it all.
slow and steady is the best way to start out!
GO YOU!! Thats awesome!
Sometimes it seems like the toughest part is getting out the door or into the gym then all the “I don’t wanna” seems to disappear.
Way to go on the distance!
AWESOME!!!!!!!
you go hot mama!
Congrats! That is a huge accomplishment and you should be very proud! I too find sometimes the days when I am dreading hitting the gym are the days I end up doing best. Best of luck to you and keep it up!
One of my favorite running quotes:
No matter how slow you run, you’re faster than someone sitting on the couch.
The beginning of your post made me think of this Nike commercial!
Great job on the run! This place is certainly inspiration, don’t you think?
I am proud of what you’re doing, girl – that’s awesome!
I have similar excuses too…especially the rain one! awesome of you to get on the treadmill and workout anyway.
Oh my goodness this is the EXACT same boat I’m in right now! I really want to run my first 5K this summer (although I have yet to find a good one…hmmm)…and I’m a big fan of the walking/running intervals…and really can’t wait for more warmer days to run outside!!
Great job getting past the excuses…I know what you mean! I come up with them all then time then just end up yelling at my self “JUST GO TO THE GYM!” haha.
Good Luck!!!
Ooh I love Courtney’s quote above. I get so down on myself for being a slow runner, but at least I’m going out there!
I decided my mantra is “finish strong” because I always want to give up when I get near the end, so I just repeat “finish strong finish strong” and try to get some adrenaline to push me through the end of my run. I’m spoiled though with nice weather; I would def give up on a treadmill and to another machine instead. So good for you!
Love this post! I find myself making excuses some days but i let them get hte bes tof me instead of pushing through. I’ll be thinking about you next time the excuses start to come out.
Good luck with everything!
NAOmni
Lol, love this post, that sounds like me before every long training run, in the words of Nike sometimes you need to “Just Do It”
Gorgeous kitchen Lindsay! I’m so happy for you guys and your new home!
Wow. LOVE The new kitchen!!! Beautiful!!!
I find that getting there is always 80% of the battle. Good job!
I am the exact same way about making excuses…I have a treadmill in my room, so you know, I have to get REALLY creative
Great job on the mileage! I also have started to think in terms of training at my own pace and it’s wonderful!
Nice job conquering the excuses AND 3+ miles!
Good for you! It’s so important to push past those excuses and just go for it! Sounds like a great workout!
I love your blog btw!! I’ve added you to my blogroll