Let’s be honest, I wanted to call this post “Fall in love with running” because seriously the pun is great right…or overplayed. BUT well I totally missed the first day of Fall and I know you all expect a much higher level of humor from me, right?!
Either way today I want to help you FALL IN LOVE WITH RUNNING.
Ha said it anyways.
For all of you telling me you wish you could run, today I’m pulling back the velvet rope and letting you in to the circle of runner’s.
Here is why you’ll see us from your car window when the winds are howling, when we have snot frozen to our faces, when the sun could fry an egg….we’ve all gone off our medication.
NO, no, let’s get real now.Running often starts off as a means to lose weight. Might not be pretty, but it’s true.
We decide that the fastest way to our skinny jeans must be pounding the pavement. Day 1 we regret having made this choice, but the determination keeps us coming back for days 2-5. Then there is an inherent shift in those who keep going and those who pull back.
It doesn’t suddenly get easier for some people. I’ve been at this 16 years and I’m not sure I’d ever call a run easy no matter what the training plan says, but man do I love it.
If it’s not easy, then why does my face look like it could split in half from my smile when you pass me on the street? Why does my closet look more like a running store than GAP?
Just to name a few:
- Morning endorphins energize you for the entire day
- Running outdoors connects you with nature, disconnects you from the computer
- Gives you the ability to constantly achieve new goals
- Every run can be different from speed, to hills, to location, to duration
- Running buddies are easier to talk to (find out why)
- You realize that you’re stronger that you ever imagined
- It gets the creative juices flowing (science even says so!)
7 TIPS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH RUNNING
Sure, sure that all sounds lovely but how do you really get started in a way that feels good?
Pump the breaks
For some reason we ALL start out too fast. We have a picture in our heads of what running looks like…it’s wrong. Embrace the run/walk method to get started and then allow it to be your amazing way to see improvement! Go from a run 1 minute walk 2 minutes to run 2 walk 2, etc.
Listen Up
Some days you need the quiet to just think and that’s one of the best things about running…but when you’re just starting it can be painful to hear your labored breathing.
So employ my favorite tactic of Podcasts!!! While music is great a podcast can make you run longer by distracting your brain or through a sense of motivation depending on the topic.
Top 19 podcasts for running >>
Gear Up
No rewarding yourself with food!! You might dream of it while running, but it starts a vicious cycle of needing to run because you ate.
Instead get in some gear that makes you feel amazing. Invest in a good pair of running shoes that make you feel like a runner. Buy the cute dri fit shirt or the dri fit winter gloves that are going to make your workout more comfortable.
Listen if it ain’t easy, you might as well make sure you’re not chaffing, getting blisters or injuries! The right gear is a piece that we often don’t allow ourselves at first, thinking it’s just for “advanced” runners. Not true.
Read the psychology of how new running gear can help your workout>>
Log it
What we measure we change. << That has long been one of my favorite statements, which is used in business, but applies to life.
There is something extremely powerful about seeing your workouts pile up and then having a way to compare your progress over time. Personally, I like to see it on paper, so when I started I would write down my miles for the day on a ginormous calendar beside my desk.
I wanted to see those numbers each week and recognize that I was committed to doing something amazing for myself.
Which leads to the next point…
Schedule It
I’m a big, fat overtalker when it comes to the topic of habits, but what can I say, they work (get the 7 Habits of highly fit people). Once you have running in your calendar for the same time every week, an amazing thing happens…you start planning your day, your food, your life around that run without even knowing it. Your subconscious takes over…
Beyond that there is some amazing science about how your body actually starts to get ready for your workouts in advance once you get on a schedule! Isn’t that crazy?!
Your heart rate will speed up a little, your body increases blood flow and all kinds of other things to make your workout feel better. Sounds great, but how has the time right??
Read this >> How to find 5 hours a week for anything!
Race A Little More
From someone who may not actually run a single race in a given year, while having logged an avg of 4o miles per week this might seem like bizarre advice.
But the truth is that there is magic in being surrounded by a ton of other sweaty people with their arms in the air hopping on one foot waiting for a GPS signal in the dark of the morning.
Beyond the connection you feel at the starting line, having a race on the calendar gives you en more purpose to roll out of bed each day and gives you something to share when people ask why you’ve suddenly taken to wearing compression socks under your work clothes (seriously you will).
In fact, here are the reasons one women says that races keep her running year after year!
Celebrate the Achievements!!
When you’ve been pondering running for awhile, it’s often because you’ve seen others out striding along and want that freedom. So when you don’t feel amazing right out of the gate or aren’t as fast, you spend way too much mental effort focusing on what you aren’t.
Not me.
I show up day after day because I’m PROUD of myself. I’m not going to be standing on the first place podium any time soon, running isn’t something which I came to naturally. So whether I put in a mile or 26.2, it’s a reminder that I got up and did the work even though it wasn’t easy.
That’s something to be proud of…to build confidence from…seriously running changed my life. I’m not alone in this, the stories are astounding from runners who have quit addictions, left bad relationships, started new businesses, found their calling…the miles will change you.
What made you fall in love with running?
What keeps you from running?
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Katrina
I needed this so much. I'm in that great place of RETURNING to running and I definitely need to shed some depression weight. Awesome post!
My recent post Looking for an October surprise with TTC
RunToTheFinish
YEAH!!! hope it helps, girl you can do it!! Enjoy where you are right now and don't compare to how you "used to run:
Jason
Some great advice here for new runners and those who have been at it for years. Thanks for the motivation!
My recent post On the Road Again: Running After Injury
mkadens1
I'm a habitual runner and I love that it's second nature for me cuz it's hard! I also want people to know to find their sweet spot. Maybe that's 5 or 10k. Longer isn't better. We're all not long distance animals. Don't force what isn't working for you. Go where your joy is!
My recent post Taper Violations and a Miracle…Maybe
RunToTheFinish
yes, yes yessssss that is such a huge point!!! running a marathon doesn't make you more of a runner!
Krysten
I am a long time lover of the run. And I think anyone can run. These are such great tips for those who are looking to get started!
Karen
Enthusiasm + Honesty = Great blog today!
After following youth running with too many sedentary years, I started again as an overweight adult because I remembered loving the feeling of achievement every run – even mediocre ones– gave me. I needed to lose weight, but I *really* needed the therapy and the time to myself. As you might guess, when something keeps me from running (like this year's hamstring injury), I'm none too happy about it. ;)
RunToTheFinish
Karen THANK YOU!!! for sharing your story! I am going to be asking for and sharing more stories so THANK YOU!!!
Megan
Girl those pants are super cute! Where did you find them?
I have a random question for you. Do you know of people who still run with hip replacements?
My recent post 15 Delicious Fall Foods For Weight Loss
RunToTheFinish
Those are Calia from Dick's Sporting goods!
I have heard of it, but can't say I"ve coached anyone specifically with hip replacement.
leisonlife
Love this post Coach! Started running as a workout, but now my life revolves around it. It is who I am! Being a runner has made me a stronger person – – mentally, physically and especially, emotionally! The stars are aligned!
RunToTheFinish
mmmmwwwhaaaa big kisses! You have been such a joy to watch as the mindset shift happened!
jillieb
Even as an experienced runner, it's great to have reminders and tips to keep on track:) Wonderful post.
My recent post North East Catch Up; Part 2
Jess @ Jess Runs ATL
Great post!!! I think so many runners get frustrated with how hard it is at the beginning, not realizing that it's hard because you haven't given enough time for your body to adapt. I tried to become a runner several times before it finally stuck – and it only did because I went to the run/walk method. I really try to push the run/walk on all newbies, it works wonders!
My recent post New Tune Tuesday: Find Your Rhythm
Carla
WHOA. I adore that sentiment, Amanda.
HABITS ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR DECISIONS.
Running working parenting LIVING.
My recent post Currently, Lately.
fitnessskippy
great post for any runner! Any time I feel blah about running all i need to do is sign up for a race to get my feet on fire! and then you start planning the outfit and maybe I need new snacks and I am right back at it! :)
Allie
Running with friends always makes me fall in love with it all over again! So many issues get resolved, or at least made small, when running with your BRFs!
My recent post Mom Guilt Special Report: Racing
Ellery
I started running in May to prep for my first 5k. A second 5k followed in August, but I have totally fallen off the wagon in the last 2 weeks. I hope someday that the run and not the race will be motivation enough!
jodi
What made me fall in love with running? Oh my gosh. I am not sure!! Started running for stress relief and I think I just got hooked on that feeling!!! And then I started doing your challenges and following you and found a great running community through social media and running with my daughter is a huge plus. I learned to challenge myself, call myself a runner and then suddenly I was running half marathons and a full marathon. I have had to take lots of time off…almost two years off and on…and I have honestly been lost without and have had a hard time losing that identity of being a runner. I am proud to say I am finally working my way back especially this last month…and I feel like I am finding myself yet again. If it wasn’t for running and yoga, I don’t know what I would do!!
What keeps me from running: My health, injuries and sometimes life just happens and I don’t get it in.