12 Reasons not to run, and why I do it anyway

Reasons Not To Run:

1.Its raining
2.It's cold
3.It's hot
4.I just ate
5.I just took a shower
6.I'm exhausted
7.It's too early
8.It's too late
9.I can't find my..pants, shoes, bra
10.It's hard
11.It hurts
12.I hate it

While making this list the last 3 should have been the first, for they are the root of all the other reasons.. er um I mean EXCUSES. The better questions is why do I hate running, but go anyway? Because everything worthwhile takes effort, pain and commitment. If it came easily everyone would do it. The truth is, for me it's hard, painfully woefully tough. Within the first few blocks even, my breathing becomes labored and self doubt starts up with its litany of just why I should quit, start walking, preferably back in the direction of the warm well lit house, grab a glass of wine and forget this nonsense. After all I'm short, curvy and not at all built to be a runner anyway (or so the small voice says). By this time, luckily (or not) I'm half way through my run and it's the same distance to go forward as it is to go back. This is the place where something else kicks in, the feeling that I deserve this, the gentle and loving reminder from that same voice within that says, "you can do this, you deserve this" reminding me yet again that nothing amazing ever comes easy.

For me, it's running. I've always known it was,. It's the thing I desire to love (the feeling when I am finished can only be topped by a select few things) and yet it hurts EVERY SINGLE TIME, so much so that I have never (yet) been on a run without contemplating giving up. What is it for you? Is it going for that work promotion? Making the leap and taking up yoga? Entering the dating scene after a brutal divorce? Giving up dairy, finally, after all, you are allergic! Just remember, you're not alone, everyone has something (or several somethings) and the best, hardest things will always be painful. So get up and get to it, there's no time like the present. I promise it'll be hard and that in the end you will not regret it.