Let's Talk Running

The last two weeks have been unbelievably busy for me and my family.  This would be a perfect time to get frustrated, break good habits and feel like a failure.  So that's what I did.  But not anymore!!! My wonderful husband has taken all my swirling emotions and brought back some order.  So I will simply pick up where I left off and work hard at the gym TO-NIGHT.
It was about this time last year that I was considering to register for my first 5K.  The thought of a race terrified me.  The thought of running 3.1 miles straight also terrified me.
Because you see, I am not a star athlete.  I am not an authority on running or in the process training for my next marathon.  I am simply an average woman who wants to push herself to whatever is next.  So this post is for those who just want to get started and have some hope that they too can do something pretty amazing- no matter how big or small.
I remember my walk on the treadmill when I decided to give running a try.  I think I jogged for about a minute and had to stop.  It might not have even been that long. In the course of a 20 minute walk, I may have ran a combined 2 minutes. Woohoo.  The next time, I tried again and might have gone a minute and a half.  I remember coming home from the gym and reporting to my husband, "I ran for 4 minutes in a row tonight!"
So there is my brilliant formula for building endurance: Keep trying.  Create a new challenge for yourself each time you set out.  I remember the night I ran for a whole mile without stopping.  It was a miracle.  

Here's some ideas for creating some positive motivation:

1. Find a friend who is on your playing field.  It's always good to know you are not alone and that there is someone else who shares your frustrations and joys.  It also creates a little healthy competition.
2. Find a mentor that will challenge you.  You don't even have to know this person, but simply follow their example.  This will motivate you to go beyond your current place and do better.  For me, I am blessed to have a cousin who runs marathons several times a year.  I ask him all kinds of questions and he has been a great help and motivation to me. (He probably doesn't even know how much!)
3. Educate yourself.  Talk to your doctor about your diet and other aspects of your fitness regimen so to train properly and avoid injury.
4. Change things up.  Run outdoors, with friends, with your kids.  Do some interval training or sprints. Run up steps or hills. Set new goals for yourself all the time.
5. Don't beat yourself up.  We all get busy and don't put in the time we'd like.  Make sure your family is before your fitness and don't feel guilty about skipping the gym to stay home and rest.  I am always struggling with this, but it's so important to prioritize.
6. Sign up for a race!  This will surely put a fire under you.  Having a deadline is a great motivator.

Remember to always talk to your doctor if you are starting any new exercise and have fun!

Until next time!
Mindy