As with all things that get celebrated, running has its naysayers, too. You know the type. They put down your love of the sport with all kinds of reasons.
Well, I’ve gathered the Top 10 Reasons Not to Run and, for your reading pleasure, will refute each one. You’re welcome to copy and paste any or all of them to share with your NRFs (nonrunning friends).
1. I'm too out-of-shape to run.
If you can move, you are not too out of shape. Simply start slow–really slow if you must. Do you want to know what you are not too out-of-shape to do? Die. And die fat.
2. Running causes injuries.
Besides the fact that studies show how running builds up your muscles and joints, you know what else causes injuries? Bathing. And walking across the street. And driving to the store. And breathing. Studies show that 99.9 percent of injuries happen while we are breathing. Should we stop that, too?
3. It'll ruin my knees (joints, body, etc.)
Baloney. The knee is an unbelievable marvel. It can handle just about anything you reasonably do to it. And if it can't, it isn’t because running did it. I ran 52 marathons in 358 days in 2006. A decade later, my knees are just fine.
4. I don't have enough time.
No one doesn’t have enough time for a little exercise. You make time. Even 15 minutes a day is better than nothing.
5. I've never been good at running.
Are you ever good at something immediately? Rarely. If you are–kudos. God forbid you have to work at something. Running is like everything else; if you run and take it slow, eventually you'll get better at it.
6. The shoes cost too much.
Liposuction, angioplasty, doctor visits, and funerals are far more costly.
7. I'm tired.
Exercise releases endorphins (making you feel happy) and it can help wake you up. I always feel more invigorated after a run. Want to know why it is harder to get out of bed after a long sleep? Because your body gets used to the rest. Run. Your body will get used to the exercise.
8. Running is hard work.
It can be. Suck it up. Life is hard. Get a helmet. But if you run, then you can race. Then you have something to talk about other than Caitlyn Jenner.
9. It's too hot (or too cold).
Then find the perfect air-conditioned temperature for yourself and run on a treadmill. Or wear more clothes outside. Or fewer clothes. Either way, go run!
10. It's boring.
No more than trying to explain how much exercise and running can save your life. And if being in the fresh air, enjoying nature while reaping extra benefits of both a pleasant mind and healthy body are boring, then I am surprised you got to number 10 on this list.
Need more ammo? Don't forget these comebacks over turkey dinner.
Dane Rauschenberg made his mark on the running world as the man who ran 52 marathons in 52 consecutive weekends. As an extreme athlete who has also run a 202-mile relay solo and completed a 350-mile run up the coast of Oregon, he doesn't just know running, he has explored it to the deepest reaches of its mental, physical and emotional boundaries. An author of three books about running, his most recent, a collaboration with Lacie Whyte called Running with the Girls, expounds upon the story on 17 inspirational women runners.
