I'm trying to like running, really I am. Most of the time I do, and always, when I am done with my interval walk / run workout, I'm very glad I did it.

But sometimes, when I just don't feel like moving even an eyelash, let alone my whole body, I look for excuses -- any will do -- to skip my cardio workout.

Well, here's three less excuses I can use when I can't motivate my legs to move the rest of me into fitness. Apparently:

Running won't ruin your bones or joints. This is one I really thought had some merit, because my knees do sometimes ache when I run on pavement. I try to stick to the trails and treadmill (or the beach if I can!) to help, but research shows that my knees will not only survive, but that weight-bearing exercise like running will counter osteoporosis.

Running won't cause a heart attack; in fact, exercise over time benefits cardiovascular fitness and goes a long way in preventing heart disease.

Running won't kill you. I know, sometimes when I am huffing and puffing and don't think my legs will carry me one more step, I'm pretty sure I'm on the downward spiral toward death, too. Yet running, even in middle life (not there yet!), helps create a longer life span.

So there: three less excuses you can use to not go running today. Does "have to make chocolate cake instead" hold any weight?