Top 10 running tips

My apologizes for the radio silence on my blog. Life has been demanding lately and with major changes of the very same ahead I had not much time for blogging. 

Nevertheless, I love being part of the blog world and enjoy active participance as much as I do reading other blogs, new blogs, connecting here and there and let myself be inspired.

The only thing I always do - even if life gets overly busy- is running.

I run to keep in balance. I run to stay in shape. I run to feel good. If I do not run I might turn grumpy, stressed or annoyed with myself, especially the latter. Throughout the years I have learned that I need this physical workout several times a week to keep me going, to feel healthy and contend. Sometimes it is difficult to jump out into the cold and just do it, but mostly after 10 minutes it feels alright.

This year I have even made it to run throughout the dark season, and I have never regretted one workout! Sometimes I get asked what I do to keep up the motivation. I thought I sum up my experience to share it here on my blog:

1.Good shoes. There is nothing more annoying than feeling your feet all the time (hurt, itch, pressure etc). I have the Asics fuji attack. I love it. It is a cross country shoe, and I have to admit I sometimes use it on roads too, which might cause early replacement, but I cannot recommend it enough.

2.Adequate clothes. Or getting distracted by your non-adequate clothes is another motivation killer.(Yes, I already broke up my training because of being cold / too hot / slipping bra etc.) As a rule of thumb I always try to wear clothes which I hardly feel. Also too less clothes can be distracting, like when I forget my gloves I will continuously think about how cold my hands are... 

3.Music.   

Music is a famous motivator. I hardly take time to listen to my favorite tunes and the workout time couldn't be more perfect to do exactly this. Alternatively go for some tunes, which sound like they get you started. I love electronic / dance / techno mixes to keep me going and distract me from the thoughts involving 'i cannot do that anymore' or 'I'd rather sit on the sofa now and watch xxx'. Music always does its job well ;-)

Nike+ Activity log

4. Nike+ If you are a freak like me you can get yourself Nike's sensor Nike+ (It looks like this and you can pop it into your shoe and connect it to your iPod) to record all your runs for you! Seeing the actual results can cause (at least it does with me) even more motivation to get out. You can even set goals, such as running 3 times a week over 4 weeks for example. The gadget will record everything, you can look it up online and it will tell you how you go on. I love that.

5.Running partner Another good source of motivation is to get yourself a running pal. Get yourself someone and make commitments. Make dates. Stick to them. It is always much easier to cancel alone than to cancel on someone else. Look, he will be so disappointed ;-) If you happen to have nobody in your circle who is into running, try to convert one, or, alternatively grab your dog, or your neighbours' dog. Most dogs love it, although some need to be specially trained to run with you on a leash. 

6. Water It is very important to stay hydrated, but not filling ones belly completely up so that it hurts. I usually drink one small glass of tab water to keep me going. Last Sunday I forgot doing so and I felt like my throat was sore and I was continuously thinking how bad it went, and how thirsty I was.

7. Variety Running the same trail every week can be quite boring and one day THE motivation killer! Also if you run the same route over and over again, you might feel too pressured to match the same times again, which can be de-motivating. Keep it interesting, run different routes, Nike+ can help here as well to find a route in your town. 

8. Different workout types Doing the same workouts again and again can get quite boring too. That's why I try to vary not only my routes but build in different types of workouts once in a while. Although I really love my relaxed 10K I sometimes do some small interval training, or fast but short runs. Also there are those 'oh-please-not-today' days. Try to squeeze in a small workout. I know it'll hurt, it'll be annoying, but if you plug in your favorite tunes, and run super slow it'll be over in no time!

9. Weather Use all types of weather. I know this sounds odd, but a run in a little bit of gentle rain can be super refreshing and inspiring, or get the minus 4 degrees on your side: Dress warm and enjoy the clear air! If you run through, your immune system will also certainly benefit! But make sure you have a hot shower upon your return!!

10. Treat yourself From time to time a nice treat for one self is justified, I find. Even if it's something very small, like watching a dvd afterwards, or taking a hot bath is wonderful to schedule in. A best treat however is to be pleased with oneself and feeling absolutely fabulous. Promised!

Ha! And that brownie tastes even better after that workout ;-) 

Anyone else also into running?

What are your top tips for motivation?

Would love to hear yours!!!

Love,

Svenja

xx