Saturday, February 14, 2009

Another reason why I run: Guilt

We all have reasons why we run. I've talked about mine before here, here and here and I'll probably add more reasons in later posts. As I was driving home today after running errands, I knew that I wouldn't be able to get my scheduled run in today, and I didn't run yesterday.

I try very hard to run at least every other day and not to miss 2 days. It's my way of keeping myself honest and into it and keep it a habit. But today, due to phone calls, errands, early darkness, the need to make some progress on work, I won't get out today, and the last time I ran was Thursday.

So, another reason why I'll get up early and run in the morning, even when it's cold: guilt. I have felt guilty all day about missing my run this morning, even though I'm not training for anything. I think about my burrito meal (after happy hour) last night and I feel guilty. And you know what? It gets me out on the road.

I don't feel the level of guilt I did when I was training for a race. Then it was almost overwhelming, so much so that I almost never missed.

But I'll hit the roads, even when I'm not feeling like it. I'll hit them because I'm going to eat a big meal or because my jeans fit a bit too tight the last time I put them on, or because I missed the last run.

My run tomorrow morning will be a longer run, which really just means 6 miles or more at this point. But I'll probably put more hills in it because I feel guilty for not running today.

Apparently, guilt works.

7 comments:

Mel-2nd Chances said...

guilt is definitely a motivator. have a great weekend!

Marlene said...

Whatever works to get us out there, right? I feel the same way if I miss a run.

Have a great weekend!

Petraruns said...

I can SO relate to that. But the flipside is the satisfaction felt every time you achieve your goals. Not inconsiderable, in my view...

Marci said...

Guilt works for me for sure! I can't run today due and I feel GUILTY for sure!

ShirleyPerly said...

Hmm, I think the only time I've ever felt guilty about not running is when I'd joined a group speed work session. I felt bad when I didn't show up for one of their workouts and knew everyone else was suffering and getting stronger. I guess it worked because I tried not to miss many of them.

Susan said...

I'm with ya on the guilt! :(

Right now I am having to force myself to remember that I just GAVE BIRTH and I need to RECOVER, even though I feel pretty darn good. See - guilt never stops.

Steve Stenzel said...

I hear ya!. Burritos make me run. And sometimes, they give me the runs.

(Sorry for the bad joke - I couldn't resist!)