When I started this diary it didn't take me long to think of what to call it.

This week I have well and truly proven the point. I am a reluctant runner. A very reluctant runner. So much so that, over the last seven days I haven't put my trainers on at all. ~Hangs head in shame. ~

My excuse? Well, rain really did stop play.

I know that's one big pitiful excuse but it has been continually wet, sometimes dripping and often pouring and during the bits that it was dry I've been so busy with end-of-term stuff at the school I just couldn't find the time to run.

Now I know that sounds like one pretty poor excuse - and I guess it is - but sometimes it's not so easy just to take an hour just for me. The thing is if I did have an hour I would rather do something more enjoyable.

Oh dear. Now I have probably upset many committed runners who might be reading. I'm sure it can be enjoyable, and there are enough people who get that 'running bug' early enough but not me. Not yet.

Truth is until I find running less of a struggle it's just not very pleasant. I don't feel comfortable, it's certainly not natural and my excess weight is still not shifting.

I've not yet got into a routine with my training. My head gets in the way and that unhelpful inner voice always talks me out of it.

Research has shown that it apparently takes 21 days to turn things into a habit.. and this must be where I am going wrong.

I need to find 21 days - with no more excuses.

I found some tips on this blog that might, might just help. I have listed a few below:

Make it hard to not do - set up obstacles and barriers so it is almost impossible to not do.

Delay the decision to not act - tell yourself to just start and then decide if you want to continue.

To break a habit make what you are doing very hard to do.

Remember to pat yourself on the back for every success in the right direction no matter how small.

Notice and acknowledge what is working

Spend the time you beat yourself for not doing what you should be doing by doing what you should be doing.

Look for the smallest of improvements in your actions.

One less is one less, one minute more is one minute more.

Celebrate all successful behaviours no matter how small the change.

It all is in the right direction and changing behaviour is hard.

Acknowledging what you have done

Get off the fear of looking silly. It is not useful and none of the people who care about how you look are going to be important to you in the future. Don't make decisions that relate to getting what you want be dependent on the thoughts of others.

 

.... Basically the top line is - stop prevaricating and Just Do It!

One day I hope to change that title to 'Diary of a Regular Runner'... one day... soon!

If you have any tips or advice for me please send in.

Annemarie Flanagan
editor@ealingtoday.co.uk

12th July 2012