BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION-Make a fresh start

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series
MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog.

Now let's get started by talking about excuses (you know, the reasons you give yourself and others to justify your lack of motivation to lace up your shoes and get out the door) and why now is the best time to get rid of them.

Okay... so I went for a run this morning and am happy to say that Spring is most definitely on the way!! The sun rose a bit earlier than usual, the birds were singing, the snow was melting and the smell of change was in the air. Without a doubt, the season of renewal is upon us. Which means Spring is the perfect time to shrug off all the excuses you had for allowing your running shoes (and your running goals) to get dusty and make a fresh start.

And now let's discuss the top three excuses I heard over the winter season for not running and why these excuses are no longer valid. 

 

Excuse 1: I Don’t Have Time

By far, this is the top excuse I hear year round but especially this time of year. I get it... there hasn't been much sunlight in the morning or in the evening. And not everyone wants to venture out into the cold darkness with a headlamp or hop on the dreadmill (I mean treadmill). But guess what? That's all about to change! As the days progress, there will be more and more light which means you'll have more and more time to get outside. So what's a runner that has used this excuse to do now? Start back slow. Start scheduling in your outdoor runs the way you do your other appointments and be ready to hit the road. If that means setting out your clothes the night before, then do it. Go to bed early so you can wake up as planned. Vow to keep these appointments in the same way you keep your other ones. And if you feel your schedule is too tight to accommodate a 30 to 40 minute run at least four or five days a week, analyze your schedule and take off anything that isn’t as important as a good quality of life.

 

Excuse 2: Bad Running Weather

There is no one who lives somewhere with a perfect climate. As a runner, you will face bad weather days which will make it harder for you to run unless you’re determined to attain something out of it. How about reminding yourself that the improved quality of life obtained through running is the greatest thing you could ever attain? That being said, the cold weather is most likely behind us but don't fall into the trap of trading your "it's just too cold" excuse for "it's just too hot" or "just too..." you fill in the blank. This is a new start which means it's an opportunity to start seeing all-season running as a challenge and something to be enjoyed. Use Spring to fall in love with running again so that when the next season comes, and the next and the next, you'll have made running a priority and won't fall back into the trap of making excuses. And remember, if you’re training for a race then you need to train for any potential weather conditions that might occur on race day. Barring extreme or unsafe weather, running when it’s raining or a tad bit chilly isn’t going to kill you I promise.

However, if the weather really does happen to be extreme, be flexible. You can still get your run in if you have a game plan. Watch the weather forecast and plan to get up early to beat the heat, go after the storm passes or simply take it to the treadmill if it’s too cold. Also being prepared with the right gear is crucial.

Again, being prepared is key, and if you want to reach your goals come race day you need to keep your training runs consistent.

Excuse 3: Seasonal Depression (the thing that keeps you on the couch with the remote in one hand and a bag of Doritos in the other pining for sunlight while watching Netflix marathons)

Allowing the weather to control your mood can cause you to skip running which is an activity that has been proven to fight depression! Let's face it... darkness makes it hard to get up off the couch to do the very thing that will energize you and make you feel better. But guess what? The sun is overcoming the darkness more and more each day. Keep this in mind as you force yourself to go outside for a walk when you don't feel like running. Breathe in the air, focus on the moment and count your blessings as you allow the movement to pump those feel-good chemicals you so desperately need into your body. Force yourself to do this until the fog lifts and your joy returns. You'll be surprised at how quickly this happens.

So there you have it friends, instead of focusing on why you can’t go for a run, turn those reasons into your motivation. Change your mindset! Use this season of fresh starts to renew your love for running and being in the great outdoors. And remember... excuses are an athlete’s worst enemy. They are a person's worst enemy in general. Excuses breed mediocrity and steal your dreams, goals and ambitions. Living your best life right now requires sacrifice and hard work... something that can begin with a simple morning run. So determine today to trade your excuses for effort and you'll soon find that excuses are a thing of the past and that making a fresh start was the best thing you ever did.

Happy Running!!!