Do you know how many times I’ve tried to talk myself out of a run? I’m doing it now, in fact. Do I run 3.5 miles today or tomorrow? I should do it today. I might do it tomorrow. Who knows.

We all make excuses for why we shouldn’t run today. Hence, The Reluctant Runner. But here’s the thing. Once you’re out there or on the treadmill, get past the first five minutes and you’ll feel like a million bucks. And if you don’t? Who cares. Unless you’re physically ill or something is clearly wrong and you might be getting injured, then keep going. Slow your pace, take walk breaks, but keep your promise to yourself.

And if you are ill or getting injured? Stop. Go see a doctor. Get some rest.

Do you know how many times before a run I’ve thought I was too tired, too full, too hungry, too this or too that to do a run? We can get in our own heads with 1,000 reasons why today isn’t the day to work out or run. But you know what? Once you’re doing it, you’ll feel so good. And once you’re finished, you’ll like you can do anything. Because you can.

That’s the thing about running. It makes you realize how strong you are. Not just for running, but for everything in life. And that’s why so many of us keep doing it, time after time, even though in the moment we may feel a little like we’ve lost our minds choosing to run. But it’s so good.

And if you’re new here or to running, welcome. It’s the adventure of a lifetime.