Tricks to Make Running Happen Every Day
Some people are natural runners, and others have to put a little more effort into it to make sure they are out there running every morning.
I am in the latter category. I love the way I feel when I run, but I can also invent a million reasons why running may not be in the cards this morning. If you share the problem but are not ready to abandon running yet, consider a few tricks to keep you out there.
Redesign the route you take and the music you choose. There’s a natural boost when the scenery improves and you are moving to your favorite music.
Buy some new running clothes, and recheck all of the weight that you have lost since you started running. Both are great incentives.
Next time you do a doctor’s check up take a good look at your numbers and compare them to what they were before you started running. Blood pressure and weight can be big benefactors from running.
Start running at a different time. Maybe the morning run is becoming a drag, and a run before dinner could be a whole lot better.
Recruit a new friend to run. Their enthusiasm could prove contagious, and will also serve as a reminder. I have a friend who has become a devoted runner and she never fails to turn up at the appointed time. That’s a big plus when you are lagging a little. It also serves as reinforcement later when you congratulate yourself on a job well done.
Think about why you started running and how far you have come. It may be months, or just a few weeks, but running has put you in a different place and remembering why you started will help keep you going. Remember how important that first run was? Remember how great you felt?
Set some new goals, based on what your run is now, project ahead and pick some good targets. Look for a pickup game of basketball, soccer or softball and a fill in for runs. When you miss run you are still logging in the exercise.
You may have your own little bag of tricks that you use to motivate yourself in other projects. Think about how your mind works and you may be able to use the same prompts here. Whatever you do, do what you can to keep your running going. Your attitude, weight and long range health will benefit.
