“I have too much to do. My family will be in town. It’s too cold. I am too tired. I have too many people to see before the holidays”
Let me introduce you to the excuse machine. I am sure you have met before, but it get a little more active during the holidays, in the air of frenzy, candy canes, eggnog and you are stressing about when the hell you are going to get your runs in, before elves lives are in danger, or your mother in law’s. Not mine, I love her. (Hi Noreen!! I love you)
Here are 5 easy peasy excuse killers to get your holidays runs in . a happy, sweaty pace.
Excuse 1 “Family is in town”. Sign Up for all the holiday 5k races you can find. All of them. It’s a great way to spend time with your family, not cooped up on the couch. Invite other members to walk it if they can’t run. Usually people dress up and a good time is had by all. It’s also a great stress reliever for those problem family members. (You know who you are)
Excuse 2 “Not enough time” Get out there in the morning. Before everyone wakes up or gets motivated to figure out what to do with the day. And REALLY? You don’t have like 30 minutes to spend out on the road? I highly doubt that. Also, schedule your runs, and make a plan for the week, so you it’s on your calendar. Where it become law.
Excuse 3. “It’s too damn cold out there” It’s really only cold the first 10 minutes of your run. Your body warms up, and the 40 degrees magically feels like 60 degrees, which is kind of the best temperature for running. AND for those first 20 min, stick your running clothes in the dryer.
Excuse 4. “I’m too tired” Ah yes. All those goodies and nog have slowed down your body and made it feel like a molasses in a mess of mud. It takes just a little run to wake it back up and get your self feeling right. Just go slow and don’t set your goals on breaking the land speed record. Just get out there!! Re-adjust your goals, but goal number one; get moving.
Excuse 5. “I have too many people to see before the holidays.” Personally, I love spending time with people while running. You get to catch up, burn off a little stress and find out what they want for Christmas. Skip the happy hour present exchanges and meet for a run and a hot cup of coffee afterwards. They’ll be very appreciative.