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I posted yesterday about how I’m trying to start running again, and how this always seems like such a vicious cycle. I explained a little bit about why I bother, even though it seems like a resolution that doesn’t ever last very long.
Today I’m going to share with you practical things that help me get out the door and run. Hopefully, some of these might work for you, too!
1. First, as I shared yesterday, I have several reasons for wanting to run. My husband supports me in this and has been trying to run with me, as well. I couldn’t make myself get out & run several times a week without plenty of reasons that can hopefully outweigh my excuses. J
2. I try to set realistic goals. I'm trying to begin by building up to being able to run 30 minutes without stopping. I researched different plans and thought that, for me, setting goals as to how long I'd run vs. walk in a given "run" was the most realistic. I know I'm much more likely to continue something if I push myself some, but also have the satisfaction of reaching a goal.
3. I work running into my weekly schedule – way ahead of time. It's literally on my calendar, which means that I'm committed.
4. I try to get plenty of rest, since I like to get up and run first thing in the morning. I've found that if I wait until later in the day to run, I'll come up with a million excuses - it's hot, I've already showered, I need to go to the grocery store, I just ate... the list goes on. First thing in the morning is by far my favorite time, which means I have to go to bed a little bit earlier.
5. I measure my progress. The website WalkJogRun.net lets me calculate the distance that I run. (Even though my goals are in minutes right now, it's still nice to see how far I run.) Then ActiveTrainer let me create an online plan. It even emails me reminders and has a pretty detailed running log. Both sites are free, and are big motivators.
Do you have a goal you're currently working on? What helps you accomplish that goal?
Feel free to check out my older Works for Me Wednesday posts, or mosey on over to Kristen's blog for more today.
2 comments:
saw your blog on WFMW.... i ran a marathon in 2005, had a baby in 2007, and have had a heck of a time getting back into running ever since!!!!!!!! like you said, there's always an excuse NOT to, but the reward is so much greater... thanks for your inspiration!
I have been struggling with it too and recently just gave up on making excuses because they were killing me! You're right - the only way is the AM. Thanks for this post - I need all the reminders I can get.
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