This afternoon I managed to tear myself away from my DVRed shows and go for a run. It was energizing and nauseating all at the same time. Beyond the sheer physical endurance of running, I forgot how much of it is mental, - during this particular run I did a lot of talking myself into going just one more block, just two more minutes, a couple more steps. Here are a few tips to keep you going:
Put together a great playlist on your iPod: Music helps you to keep pace and keep going. It's amazing how a song can pump you up motivate you to run just a little bit longer. Some of my favorite (albeit, cheesy) songs on my running playlist:
“Lose Yourself” Eminem
“Tom Sawyer” Rush
“Halo” Beyonce
“Welcome to the Jungle” Guns n’ Roses
Just do it, other things can wait: The dirty dishes, laundry and food shopping will still be there when you get home, your motivation might not. Go out for a run when the mood strikes you and you’ll find that you are getting out to run more often.
Set daily goals for yourself: Whether it’s running 5 minutes longer each day or at a faster pace- setting small, attainable goals for yourself will keep you going and give you the confidence to keep at it as you check off each goal. Run for today, not for the Boston Marathon you one day hope to run.
Change your scenery: Don’t run the same route everyday, you’ll wind up getting bored quickly, instead try to vary your venues. I’m such a people watcher that I find new spots take my mind off how far I have to go and my run is over before I know it.
Be realistic: Don’t demand or expect yourself to do too much too soon and understand you are going to have some off days and that’s okay; you’ve just got yourself back on the running horse, pat yourself on the back for separating your butt from your couch cushion and getting yourself out of the house.
Two miles later, I feel way better than I did this morning and I guarantee you my fellow lazy runners, that you’ll feel the same way too. So, let’s commit to getting out there and running a little more and watching the Kardashians a little less.
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ReplyDeleteOh, The Kardashians, they always keep me on the sofa and not at the gym!
ReplyDeleteI know you are running outside but a good trick to run longer on the tredmil is to watch a show. I know which channels my gym has so I check the tv guide at home and plan to go to the gym when there is a block of shows on that I want to watch.
Watching The Hills and The City or a block of Kendra will keep me doing cardio for an entire hour. I usually switch machines in between shows. It is kind of embarrassing to admit that I even watch this mindless trash, but hey, we all need a break from serious stuff. And if it gets me running who cares.
Also, they are so skinny, it's good motivation.
So there, a tip for a rainy day, so the weather can't be an excuse.
So, you don't buy my creaky bones excuse? JUst kidding--tragically I am far from an athlete.
ReplyDeleteKardashian clan def makes me stay on the couch, cara! did you know the most recent marathon is the highest rated thing on E! EVER! what does that say about our society? slash i too was watching
Back to the point...
Something about running is cathartic. Very man vs the elements- no machines or props to stand in the way.
Great how to-self help guide you've got going!
Looking forward to your social observations!
My excuse has always been the dirty dishes, the laundry etc etc. I've had countless failed attempts, but I still do have hope.
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right about setting goals, and being realistic! Running 10 miles a week doesn't translate into losing 10 pounds!
Good luck with your running!
So, my husband and I just bought a treadmill. With a baby, work, school, etc, etc, we were finding it hard to get to the gym, so we committed to a treadmill. The hope was that it would make running so convenient that we would have no excuse not to run. It would also play on our guilt. If we don't use it, then we would have thrown money away.
ReplyDeleteAlas, it is still hard to motivate myself to run. For me, it's the feeling like I should be spending any spare time I have with my son that keeps me away. Though, through sheer force of will, I've run at least twice a week since we got the machine. I'd like it to be more, but I don't know that I can promise myself more than that right now. Two times per week is still better than what I was doing before!
Thanks for the inspiration!
I love your tips! As someone who hates going to the gym, but goes all the time, I particularly relate to going when "the mood strikes." It is a must. Because once you lose that motivation, it's almost impossible to make yourself go.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I agree that "Lose Yourself" is a great running/cardio song.
When I moved to New York I decided I was going to star jogging since I live very close to Central Park. I did it twice but then I kept making excuses.
ReplyDeleteI think a good method to get up and run is thinking about the health benefits. It's like when people want to loose weight and they put a picture of an overweight person on the fridge. Also, if there is someone that could join you it would make you have to go.
I also found an article that talks about the importance of hydrating and not over exposing your body to hard work. http://allwomenstalk.com/practical-tips-on-how-to-start-jogging/