All the excuses in the world...

I remember when I was training for the Marathon the first time around, anything and everything could be an excuse.  No matter how weak an excuse, someway or another it could be justified.

As this blog is here to serve as my 'running conscience' I thought it was best to 'oust' these potential excuses so that they are cast in stone, black and white, so that whenever I dare to use one that is not deemed 'legitimate' I feel 'The Shame' and should therefore technically be guilted into getting my backside out pounding those streets.

So, here forth are 'The Excuses' :

1. 'I'm tired' - Exercise will make you feel more energised so get going!

2. 'I'm hungover' - I can't see this being a problem this time around to be honest...

3. 'I'm not in the mood' - Tough, get in the mood, people are going to a lot of effort so you can do this, move it

4. 'I've got my period' - See number 1

5. 'I haven't got a babysitter' - O.k legitimate one that I can't do a lot about so let's hope that doesn't happen very often... although they do make 'running buggies'... the women in NY manage to jog with babies around Central Park (yes, real, seen with own eyes)

6. 'I've got to make dinner' - Do a stew and let it simmer whilst you get out on those streets

7. 'I'm hungry' - Eat a banana and do something when you get in, best to eat as soon after running as possible remember because your body absorbs it up better (I read once if you can't face food straight away have a milkshake - I liked that article...) and mental note, schedule runs / eating better next time, still not a legitimate excuse, off you go...

8.' I ache' - You'll get past it, and doing a marathon requires mental stamina, you'll get two lots of training in one today!

9. 'I'm supposed to do the training I don't like today, maybe I'll skip it and do it another day' - Won't ever happen, deal with it and get outside, and just remember the less enthusiastic you are about doing 'fartlek' (yes it's a real training session intermitting sprinting with jogging, on inclines... why do I want to do this again...?) when you have completed it you'll feel on top of the world.

10. 'I don't feel well' - Not to be confused with 'I am unwell' - Depending on level of 'feeling unwell' take a judgement call, but don't be weak, or use 'unwell' to mask just plain old 'tired'

11. 'I am unwell' - Legitimate reason and shouldn't run or do exercise if unwell, could be more detrimental than good.  But don't become 'man' like an call a sniffle a cold

12. 'What's the point' - Look at your son that would love to be able to walk let alone run

In fact, for all these pathetic excuses just remember that.  You have the ability to do something amazing, to run free, to get pumped up, to join in races that are fun and rewarding.  Stretch yourself.  Push yourself.  Imagine how much running he should have done now in his life.

If that doesn't get you outside, nothing will.