Laziness, validation and a natural urge to preserve effort and energy are just a handful of reasons why people cheat.

The topic came up on 3AW Drive an ultra-marathon runner was stripped of her third place finish after it emerged she’d ridden in a car for four kilometres.

“We don’t like feel uncomfortable, so we find a reality that makes us feel good,” psychologist Peta Slocombe.

Press PLAY below to hear explain how the mind works