As Lazy is As Lazy Does
5July 22, 2012 by CJ
I’ve been pretty darn lazy recently. Despite getting a few runs in, I’ve been slacking in my half marathon training. All the while bemoaning my slow pace, and everything else non-runners who try to run complain about. As I sat in my pool of self-doubt and running anxiety I thought about why I signed up for the Baltimore Half and why I wanted to train with a group. After I ran (ok walked/crawled) the Baltimore 10 miler, I knew in my heart of hearts I could have run it better and stronger.
I got the kick ass jacket for completing it!
I know I never blogged about it. Once it was done all I could think to write was my post, Why Running a Race is like Giving Childbirth. It was up there with one of the toughest things I have ever done. I admit it was harder, for me, than giving birth to my twins. Why? With the twins there was no giving up and going home. Once the process started, I had to see it through to completion. During the race, it took everything in me not to sit down on the side of the road and call my husband to come and get me. Fighting that mental battle to stop is one of the toughest things I have ever done. I know I’m going to hear that voice again when I run the Baltimore half. Because of that voice I know I need to train harder. I signed up with a group to force myself to go that extra mile, to have people encourage me to go faster when all I want to do is stop and sit on the curb.
My top 10 excuses in no particular order:
- It’s too hot
- It’s raining
- My ______ (insert any body part here) hurts
- I’m tired
- I drank too much
- I drank too little
- It’s really raining, I mean like, pouring
- My running clothes are dirty
- My bed feels soooo good
- I just don’t feel like it
After taking some time to wallow in some good ole’ self-pity, I have decided it’s time to stop it. I found my big girl panties and actually put them on. No more excuses.
My plan for this week:
Monday- Easy 20 minute run (this should have been on Sunday, but since I didn’t do my long run until Sunday, my easy run in now on Monday)
Tuesday- 3miles
Wednesday- Track workout
Thursday- Tempo Run
Friday- Off
Saturday- Long Run
No excuses. Going to get it in this week!!
Related articles
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- Danielle Lazy Bones (cozycakescottage.com)
- And the Training Begins (50thingsbeforeiturn50.wordpress.com)
50 Things Before I Turn 50 
I’m with you on so many of your “reasons not to run.” Especially No. 1! You’re right that it’s such a mental battle. There have been so many occasions that I’ve wanted to just drop out. But I think the pure satisfaction of finishing, regardless of the time or the pace or whatever, is a great reward. Good luck with your new strategy! 🙂
Thank you! I swear running is much more of a mental battle than a physical battle. I got up and ran this morning…so far so good. 😉
I hear you about the excuses – my favorite one this time of year is the humidity. Boy do I hate running in the humidity. But, one correction for you – you ARE a runner. I don’t like to see you write things like “non-runners who try to run” – you are a runner…even if you have to remind yourself of it with every step towards the finish line – don’t forget it. And keep up the good work!
Thanks you for that reminder. I am a runner. 😀
[…] first long race is the Baltimore 10 miler. I ran it last year. I blogged about how tough it was. I decided I should train as if I am running a half marathon. Since I have […]