So you want to start running? I think that’s a great idea! I love running for a variety of reasons: it’s a big adrenaline rush, you can get a great workout in 30 minutes, it helps with your posture and you feel like a million bucks when you’re done.
I am by no means running a marathon anytime soon, but I do love running. I try to get in three runs a week at the gym. For medical reasons (I have a weird spine) I am unable to run outside, but I hear it’s even better than running indoors. I should also tell you that I’m not a size 2 so if you think running is just for skinny people I’m here to tell you that’s not true.
Here are four things that helped me start running and keep me motivated:
Get cute gear
You don’t need to spend a lot of money on high end gear, just get a few (three or so) outfits that you feel good in and can mix and match. I invested in good running shoes ($89 Mizuno’s from DSW) but the rest of my gear is from Aeropostale, they have great shorts that don’t ride up when you run. Long tank tops are also better because they tend to ride up when you run, at least mine do.
Start in intervals
This is how I run. I do a 30 minute workout; combined I run for 10 minutes and walk at an incline for 5 minutes via intervals. Part of the reason is because I hate doing the same thing for too long and the other part is having a deadline keeps me motivated. Use blocks of five minutes to keep track, start by running for one minute and walking for four. Then run two minutes for every three you walk etc. It’s really helped me step up my running game.
Leave the water until the end
I used to drink water every time the treadmill was at walking speed but I found that when I started running again I would get a cramp – that sucks. A friend told me to run through a cramp, but that’s easier said than done. Now I go hard for 30 minutes and reward myself with ice cold water at the end.
Pick a focus point on the wall
When I tell you that I’m clumsy it’s the honest truth. If I look to the left or right or check out what the other runners beside me are doing I completely lose focus and break my stride. Even a quick glance at the clock on the wall can cause me to completely lose focus.
When I run I have to focus on one point and stick with it for 30 minutes until I’m done. I’m sure I look like a crazy stalker fixated on their prey but I can’t help it. I’ve already had one injury where I messed up my knee because I was running out of stride. I don’t want to go there again.
Photo from I’d Pin That
