“I hate running”
“I’m not a runner”
“Running sucks”
It is funny to hear some of the reasons why people don’t engage in running. Mostly because I said ALL of these things, and even now, as a RUNNER, I still say them. But here’s chat I’m going to challenge you to do – replace the word “running/runner” with something else…
“I hate working out”
“I’m not the working out type”
“Working out sucks”
Let’s be honest – everything sucks when you’re not good at it. Math, writing, lifting, cooking…if you don’t take the time to practice, to learn, to improve, you’ll never get better, and easily have the same barriers you had when you started. But, just like with everything else, there comes a point when running sucks just a little bit less (my cooking stopped really sucking after a few months of learning and trying)…you can still yell to the mountain tops that running sucks, but maybe one day it sucks 10% less than it did the day before, then the next time it sucks even less.
When we all learned to ride a bike, there was a learning curve. I doubt any kid was able to take the training wheels off of their bike and go for a spin around the neighborhood without a few falls. But we all got back on the bike and gave it a go – because riding bikes is awesome. Running can be awesome too.
So, the next time you think running sucks, ask if you’ve ever really given running a chance?
And, yes, we host running programs throughout the year – be ready to ask yourself if you’re willing to give it a go in a supportive environment with other people to help you hate running just a little less 😉