If you’re like me, you’ve probably never really considered yourself a runner. In fact, you’ve probably never done much running outside of the required mile to pass your P.E. classes. However, just because you didn’t enjoy running back when you were a kid doesn’t mean it’s something that you can’t find joy in now as an adult.
A few months ago, I decided I would try running. After doing one mile and feeling great, I decided this was going to be more than just a one and done thing. I kept running. Now, I can do three miles in under an hour — a record for me.
With my little experience, I’ve come to realize a few things. For starters, your mindset is extremely important when you run as well as when and where you run and keeping motivation is a must. Here are some tips that may motivate you to run and help you realize that it’s more good than bad.
Keep a positive mindset
When you are running, you may find yourself thinking, “I can’t do this. Why am I doing this? I need to stop.” If these thoughts cross your mind, your body is bound to react accordingly. This will make you feel worse and make you stop running. If your mind is in the gutters, your body will follow and you won’t be able to finish your mile or whatever other milestones you’ve set for yourself. When you’re running, it’s important to keep thinking to a minimum, and if you are thinking, it’s important for those thoughts to be positive. Think to yourself, “I can do this. I am doing this.” Positivity will take you a long way while running.
Remember to breathe
Running can be seen as a form of meditation. With that, the way you breathe is crucial to your performance. When you run, it is important to breathe in through your stomach instead of your chest, keep your head up and breathe in and out through your nose. Additionally, when you are running, taking deep breaths is just as important. This way, there is oxygen flowing throughout your body and you are less likely to feel lightheaded or nauseous. It will also give you more energy.
Carefully choose when and where to run
I recently had the opportunity to run during a sunshower and it was the best run I’ve had thus far. The rain helped refresh me and gave me the strength I needed to finish my run. Moreover, I was running in a park, which provided me with beautiful scenery, making the run more enjoyable. Where and when you run is important, especially living in South Florida. I like to run in the mornings or in the late afternoons to avoid the hot sun that can sometimes make running a little unbearable. Additionally, running somewhere with a nice view is beneficial because it takes your mind off the painful aspects of the run.
Keep motivation
I’ll admit. I don’t run every day, but eventually, I would like to. Keeping that running momentum and motivation is a great way to not only keep up your running ability, but also discipline yourself. I use the Nike Run Club app to track my runs and this motivates me to keep going. The app is great because it also allows you to go on guided runs, complete challenges and set and achieve different running goals. Apps like these are great motivators to keep up with daily or weekly runs.
Running may not be the easiest task, but it doesn’t have to be as difficult as you tell yourself it is. All you need is a little motivation, a good time and place and a positive mindset. Completing a run can make you feel unstoppable, further motivating you to accomplish anything you set your mind to. You can do it.
