May 31, 2006

It's All About Determination

Let me be honest, you have seen my first few weeks of running. They are not great! Why is this? I just do not have the desire to start running right now. Correction: I did have the desire to start running, I just do not have the enthusiasm to keep it up.

To keep yourself running here are a few suggestions:

• Run with a partner. You are more likely to show up if they are counting on you to be there.
• Set aside time to run each day. If you make it a habit, it will become "natural" to go running at 5am or 5pm each and everyday.
• Don't FREAK OUT if you miss a running day. It happens! If you can find some time to make it up, take advantage of it. 20 minutes of running is better than none.
• Track your running. You will see how much you progress and it will be amazing! (Just don't over do it like I do. If you start slowing down, you may end up de-motivating yourself.)
• Running is not constant. Memorize that statement. You will not always be running a mile in 7 minutes. Some days you may run it in 10 minutes, other days you may run it in 6 minutes. Your times will vary. However, you result will be the same: you're staying healthy.

These are just some very, very basic ways to keep yourself running. You may have your own reasons to keep running: running for a charity event, a promise made to yourself, etc.

If you have some more suggestions to add to the list, post them to the comment list below!

Enjoy running and never give it up!

RP

Tags [?]: Running Tips, Fitness, Motivation, Running

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Comments

Warning: I am a rambler, do not feel obligated to read my rantings...

I've decided to start running! These tips are helpful along with others I have read.

So I went to coolrunning.com as suggestioned and pulled their 5K beginners training program up. This morning's workout called for 5 minutes of a brisk walk, then 60 seconds of jogging/90 seconds walking intervals for 20 minutes total. I went on this page for your words of inspiration before stretching...then out I went! I said to my crazy self, "Crazy self, this is going to be soooo easy! You should just jump right in to week 3 or something!" But then logical self spoke up and said "No, no, no! Do as the program tells you, it knows what it is talking about!" So I followed the 60 sec run/90 sec walk interval for day 1 and it was....HARD! The running dragged and the walking wasn't long enough! But I finished and I loved it! Though the Florida humidity was no fun. On my way to a 5K... :^O

So my questions for you:
1. how are you supposed to breathe when running?
2. what is the "gait" that will be measured when I buy running sneakers? Is it my stride? Won't that change as I become better?
3. the program calls for 3 days of running/week. Is it ok to do other cardio workouts such as a cycling class on the other days?

Thanks so much for your help! I am so happy to be here! I think I have endorphins from running because I am so happy!! Is this how it feels all of the time?

Sorry...I am not usually this wired! I don't even drink coffee!

Jessica

Sunset. Really...don't overanalzye things. Just get out there and RUN. But here are the answers to your questions.

1. Breathe however feels comfortable for you. Some people like to breathe in with their nose, and out with their mouth. My nostrils ain't big enough to do that, so I just breathe in with my mouth at a pace that my body needs.

2. They will look at how you kick up your legs, how your feet hit the ground, what angle, and how your ankles "roll." This will tell them whether you are a neutral runner, an over pronator, a supinator. This will then help them to put you in shoes that will correct any issues you have. Over time, you may get better, but probably not within the lifetime of ONE pair of shoes.

3. Yes, absolutely do x-training. Essential as far as I am concerned. Some other people may disagree.

Good luck.

Actually, as you get in shape, you do tend to work out a more efficient stride. Your overall mechanics will probably stay the same, but your body fine tunes itself to find the optimal balance between stride length and stride frequency, what works for you. It won't change the shoes you need though.

As for cross training, it is good to do, but when you are at the very beginning, be careful for two reasons:

1. Don't burn yourself out. It will be much better in the long run for you to work out 3 days a week for life than 6 days a week for the next month and then stop altogether because it's too much.

2. Your body is not going to be used to this new stress, and you will be more prone to injury over the next few months as your body adapts. I personally would say to stick to only walk/run to start if you are starting from scratch, or if you want to cross train, perhaps do it instead of a run. Just pay attention to your body!

That said, the hard part is getting out there and you have just gotten yourself there...keep at it!