TORONTO September 1st 2015. Digital Champion Allison Slater’s most memorable running accomplishment was conquering her first race. Never in a million years did she think she’d be able to run 1km consecutively, let alone 5! She is inspired to continue running by her family and friends who are always cheering her on through her training and at every finish line she crosses. Allison is excited to take on her first marathon this year at STWM and venture out of her comfort zone. When she’s not running, you’ll find Allison planning her next travel adventure, enjoying healthy food, or experimenting in the kitchen. Connect with Allison on Twitter and Instagram.
No Excuses. By Allison Slater
You know that little voice in your head that gives you a million reasons to stay put in your comfort zone? That evil little voice that just creeps up on you and tries to defend, condone and justify skipping out on that run? Whether you’re a long-time runner, just starting out, or even just thinking about giving it a go – that little voice may be all too familiar. Running is just as much a mental sport as it is physical and I find the mental part the most challenging. Being in the right state of mind, not letting yourself hold you back and just being able to push through is not an easy thing to do.
These are my top five most common excuses and what I tell myself to crush them before they get the best of me.
1. “It’s raining… But it’s snowing… It’s too cold… .It’s too 
hot.”
I absolutely love running outdoors and a treadmill is never an option for me. In the winter months, I wear clamps on my shoes for extra grip, double up my layers and I make sure to never leave without my gloves. On those extra hot days, running earlier in the morning or later in the evening helps beat the heat and humidity. Being prepared with the right gear for all seasons and weather conditions leaves little room for the weather to hold you back. The coldest days are the hardest for me, but also the most enjoyable once I get out there. I try to remind myself that the faster I move, the quicker I warm up.
2. “I worked all day, I’m too tired.”
Yes, work is tiring, stress is tiring, life is tiring; but think about it, when have you gone for a run and actually regretted it afterwards? Once I get out there and get in the groove, I wake up and feel like I can take on the world. Running gets your adrenaline going and can give you a second wind.
3. “People are going to stare at me.”
People will stare, it’s human nature. Who knows, you may give that random stranger staring at you the motivation they need to get out there themselves and start running! I like to remind myself that I walk by so many different people daily that I don’t even notice, so odds are they probably won’t even remember you.
4. “I don’t have time.”
One thing I know about myself is if I really want to do something, I will make time for it. Having a routine that works with your schedule helps you to fit in a run on even the busiest of days. I enjoy waking up at the crack of dawn to hit the pavement before I start my workday. It helps increase my energy level first thing in the morning, which makes me way more productive throughout the day.
5. “I’m unmotivated.”
Sign up for a charity race that may be near and dear to your heart. It doesn’t have to be a marathon, it could even be a community run around your block. When I first started running, my runs were not measured by distance, I didn’t even know how long one kilometre was. I used to judge how long I ran by how many songs I listened to while out there. Every few days, I would throw another song onto my playlist and made sure not to stop until I heard them all. The tunes kept me motivated and the challenge kept me going.
The key to keeping yourself motivated it to make realistic, measurable, specific goals that keep your mission clear and attainable. You can also run with a friend or join a local run crew. Having someone to help push you to reach your goals and cheer you on when you’re feeling down may be exactly what you need.
Now don’t get me wrong, there are excuses and then there are actual reasons why you shouldn’t run. Pushing through an injury or disobeying your doctor’s orders are not excuses, they are reasons. Your body needs rest days to avoid injury and to recharge your battery. Taking a break can make you come back even stronger. Reminding yourself of your goals and what’s important to you will help you stay on track. Need a little burst of motivation? Connect with me on Twitter.
