3 Excuses You’ve Made to Avoid Getting Back Into Running
By Becki Ledford
It’s an unusual feeling when something that once seemed so natural becomes a challenge. But the benefits of running are far too great to overlook. It’s time to get back into running.
Your reasons for exiting are probably valid. An injury, a change, or general time away can make the task of lacing up your sneakers once again feel daunting. We debunk the most common reasons why you aren’t running anymore.
1.You’ve Changed
Other priorities in life may have made your old way of running nearly impossible. That run before work has been replaced with a trip to the daycare. Your running buddies are quite literally running by you, and you feel like you’ve been left behind. Embrace the changes and make goals that work for the new life you’ve created. Find a new time to run, like on your lunch break and choose to treat it with importance. This may mean scaling back your running time from an hour to a half hour, but it’s worth it to keep yourself going. Because what’s more important than feeling good?
2. You’ve Lost Confidence
It’s easy to sit back and focus on the reasons that you can’t/shouldn’t/won’t run. You’ll never get back to where you were, you’ve gained weight, and you’re out of shape. Cut yourself a break and focus on what you can do today to change that. Start slowly, and be mindful of your current condition to make the most of your runs. Ignore the voice that says you’ll be starting back at square one if you start running again; no matter how long it’s been since your last run, your body will retain some of the running ability it once had. Wear comfortable clothes, work out in off-peak times, and enjoy healthy eating to allow for a regain in esteem. Most importantly, keep at it. Find a running buddy, track your progress and results will come!
3. You’re Scared
While injuries can be common occurrence while running, there are ways to not let fear keep you on the sidelines. Cross-training may seem out of touch for those with a once passion for running, but an elliptical or stationary bike can work muscles while limiting impact. Consider strength training to offer further support to muscle groups that you’d typically use while out on a run. And be sure to give yourself time to recover. Schedule your days off to ensure you’re giving yourself mandatory time to rest.
Just because you’ve been out of the habit of running doesn’t mean you need to stay that way. Make running work for you by taking a new approach to your current state of fitness. By making running a priority, having confidence, and training smart you’ll be back on track to enjoy running once again.
Source: Fix.com Blog
Becki Ledford is a marathoner and weight lifting enthusiast. She loves helping people to understand how to live their best lives in mind and body. As an ACSM-certified personal trainer with a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, she understands that fitness, nutrition, and mental health are completely intertwined.
