So you've been running for a while now and you want to take it up a notch.
You've decided you want to shave a few minutes off your 5k or 10k time and set
a new, personal best. Maybe it's parkrun,
or maybe it's just your favourite loop. We've all been there.
Once you start thinking about it, you can't get it out of your head.
So you set out to go all out to get that new PB,
And then a dog gets in the way,
or there's a puddle or an icy patch or [INSERT EXCUSE HERE]!
You would have got that PB, But...
Here are some of the most used, I would have got a PB but,
excuses that we've used, you've used or other people have used on you.
If you recognise any of them, make sure you let us know if the comments.
Or maybe, you've used something equally as outrageous that we haven't mentioned?
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This is one of the most common reasons why a runners,
PB plans get scuppered, waiting for that pesky red light.
That's at least a minute lost there.
Waiting for the green man so it's safe to cross puts an end to many a PB attempt.
You know how it is, you're out on your run, conditions are perfect.
You're in your stride. You're on for that PB,
but then all of a sudden it gets you again.
I'm going to have to stop for another road crossing.
Come on, come on. As you watch the cars,
go by one by one. You can see your PB disappearing with them.
Note to self, never run in rush hour.
Come on, come on three, two, one, go.
We all love testing out new running gear,
but has your latest purchase ever cost you rather more than just your hard earned
cash? Maybe your oh,
so reliable trainers were great until that interval session last week,
whatever the shoe, there's an excuse for it, whether it's too old, too new,
too muddy, we've heard them all.
I think my shoes were damp actually. It made it harder to run. Soggy. Soggy.
My lace came undone, so I had to stop to retie it.
Uh...so annoying!
The lace on my left shoe was flapping. Put me right off.
My laces were done up too tight. So my feet started to get pins and needles.
There are loads of excuses as to why your shoes might've contributed to a failed attempt
at getting a PB. Used any of those before?
Uh, I had massive problems
with my GPS, it dropped out completely
and missed out a massive chunk of my run. Technology can be a wonderful thing,
if you're into knowing all the data and stats about your run.
Of course, some people do prefer to run naked.
And no I don't mean with no clothes on, get your minds out the gutter.
I mean with no watch or technology to measure at all.
But technology can also be the reason why some PBs are scuppered.
I definitely smashed my 10k best, but when it appeared on Strava,
it said 9.98 kilometres instead.
Went to pause my watch at a set of lights, the activity saved
automatically. Now if I want a PB I'm going to have to start all over again...
Whether you're new to tech or you keep up to date with all things gadgets,
sometimes we do shift the blame onto tech.
If it's cost us a PB. What are the best ones, you've heard?
These splits, they're definitely wrong. I think my watch it needs recalibrating.
I was flying on the first half and I'm positive that I even would have run a
negative split on the return loop if it wasn't for that headwind. Ah!
Oh God, it's so cold, I can barely feel my fingers, or my legs for that matter.
For the keener runners amongst us, nothing will stop us, rain or shine.
But have you ever headed out on a run and a forecast promised you one thing,
and then the heavens opened?
Or you felt like you put the right layers on and then it starts howling with
wind. Well, we know it's not always rainbows and sunshine on a run,
but has the weather ever scuppered your attempt at a PB?
Rain. So much rain. I would've got a PB,
but the rain there's so much of it, it's practically sideways.
Bad weather? I got all dressed up and ready to go.
I was going to smash that PB till I slipped on that black ice.
Ahhh, so much mud. I don't want to get stuck.
It's lovely to get out in nature. See the wildlife,
take in the views when you're on a run. That is of course,
unless you're going for a PB.
Have you ever been stopped in your tracks by an animal? Maybe something small.
I've been on the home stretch before and a fly has flown straight into my mouth
stopping me, dead. Goodbye PB.
Had to move off the path for this lovely horse. I didn't want to spook it.
Forgot all about my run...I just stopped to pet the cute dog.
I was running down by the river and all of a sudden I was surrounded by angry geese!
A bird flew overhead. And all of a sudden I was covered bird poo.
I thought that was supposed to be good luck? And after all that,
I had to stop for a farmer so that he could help his sheep cross the road,
ah, PB gone. What's the most unusual animal that's stolen your PB?
Ah running, a place where you can escape, forget and clock up, mindful miles,
the freedom. I love it. It's just a place where we can be free.
I might even get a PB.
Wait? Did I leave the hob on?
Oh, I think I left the front door open.
No, no I couldn't have left the hob on.
Ah, ah, left the dog in the garden and he'll be barking at the neighbours. Oh..
It's no use. I'm going to have to go back and check.
There goes the PB.
Ever been running at your best and then a thought pops into your head.
No matter what you do, you can't shift it. And before you know it,
you're heading home with those dreams of a PB shattered behind you on the turf
soil, pavements, tears out the window. It's over.
Ooh.
Ever started a run feeling really strong.
And then a niggle rears its ugly head. It feels manageable to start with,
but it's almost certain to steal your PB.
My ITB hurts, I better slow down the physio told me to keep an eye on that.
I've got a stitch. I'm going to have to walk for a bit. Once you've noticed it,
you can't stop thinking about it. It's fine.
I can breathe through it. It'll be all right. Come on Sarah. Breathe,
breathe. Ah, no. I'm gonna have to walk.
No PB for me. And from that point on game over.
Ah, golden hour. Oh, everything is so beautiful.
Oh wow. That would make the perfect picture for Strava. Oh,
I'm just going to have to stop and take a photo. Ever been out on a run
and with every step you take, everywhere just looks so beautiful.
So many opportunities for an award-winning photo to let you followers know on
Strava, you've had the best run. When will it ever be as sunny again?
When will the bluebells look so beautiful? Will there be a good horse in this field
the next time I come this way? That's settled.
Get the phone out. Need to take a picture.
Woah, is that a UFO? Is that a UFO? Hang on. Should I call the local news?
This could be the first sighting. Oh, hang on. Hang on. Hang on, hang on.
I better get a picture, better get a picture.
Or maybe your favourite running song comes on and you change your pace.
Got to match that beat.
I'm coming out! Ah, I love this song.
You know what, whenever it's on, you just have to stop for a second.
I'm coming out. I want the world to know...
Gotta let it show... Ah, my PB!
When you're in the moment, it can be very tempting just to embrace the distraction
and go for it. But remember that could cost you your PB.
Oh, think that's my neighbour. I haven't seen them in so long. I'll just stop and say hello.
Let's talk about food.
Maybe you've got your nutrition nailed down or maybe you're trying out something
new in training? Or maybe you've been doing some research ahead of a new race
that you've got coming up. Discovered a new brand of gel, placed a hasty order,
and now you can't wait to get out and try it out. We've all been there.
You're a fair few miles in and you need a little pick me up.
It's time for that new gel. You haven't used it before yourself,
but the reviews were strong.
You're feeling good. Have your food choices ever affected your run?
You're running as good. You're feeling great, but then.
Oh suddenly it's not.
And you realise you're 10 miles away from the nearest bathroom.
Tree?
And there you have it. A few of our favourite excuses.
We never said that bagging a PB would be easy.
Have you ever caught yourself using one of those excuses yourself or maybe
you've got some better ones that you'd like to let us know about?
Please do tell us in the comments below and we'll see you next time on The Running Channel.