Excuses

This morning’s pre-dawn run gave me pause for thought.

I am not a very good triathlete. I am not a very good endurance athlete. In fact, I am not very good at any sport. I did not even go to PE at school and only took up training when I arrived at the age of 35 at almost 20stone.

However, I train and I compete.

I do it because I enjoy it. I do it to stay trim. I do it to stay healthy. In short, as a popular sports brand would put it … I just do it.

Many people come up to me with the usual comments and/or excuses:

“You must be mad.”

“I just don’t have the time.”

“I’m too busy.”

“Work leaves me too exhausted.”

“I travel too much with work.”

Etc, etc... You get the drift.

All the time the same people complain about not losing weight, being unfit, having no energy… but they seem to watch a lot of TV or spend time in pubs etc.

Well, I want to be blunt: We can all come up with excuses why we do not do something. It gives us a crutch to lean on. It takes conviction to find a way to get things done.

I have friends:

• With family commitments, that train at times that some would consider the middle of the night.
• With stressful jobs that fit training in when they can
• That take training gear away on business trips, then train rather than sitting in the hotel bar
• That run with their children in strollers, or bike with their kids on hook on bikes/kids seats
• Use their commute … even though they have only an flannel and towel to clean up when they get to work
• People use indoor trainers while child sitting.

I could go on and on. However, what I am saying is reasons are no more than excuses. If you really want to sort yourself out and get fit or train for something - you will find a way.

Leave your crutches by the wayside.

Will