Whether we’re starting a brand-new workout program or putting the finishing touches on the last bit of training before a triathlon, most of us “regular guys” have never really pushed our bodies to the limit. To be honest, that’s part of what separates us from the guys who go pro and the guys who watch on TV.

I mean, look at Doug Flutie … be honest, if you saw him in the grocery store, you’d just take him for a regular guy — not an NFL quarterback. For most of us, our minds tell us to stop before our bodies actually do. It’s only natural. Think about it, your brain’s job is to keep your body safe. Of course it’s going to tell you to shut it down for the day at the first sign of physical stress.

Trust me, men, your bodies can take a beating. If you’re hitting the streets for that first evening jog in longer than you’d like to admit, go ahead and put in a failsafe.

Take your run in a straight line away from your house, or wherever you start. If your goal is to run a mile, run a half a mile out and half a mile back. If you just plan your mile to be five laps around your block, take away the temptation to stop after the third lap.

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Oh yeah, legal stuff: Always consult a doctor before starting an exercise regimen.