LONG SLEEVE | LEGGINGS | WIRELESS HEADPHONES
It’s been almost 9 months since I got back into running, and finally found my love for it! I truly owe quarantine all the credit for my motivation when it comes to working out and running.
So going on about a year I feel like I have some useful tidbits to share if you’re just now getting into running or trying to find that push to keep going!
FIRST WHY ARE YOU RUNNING?
I’ve talked about this a lot, but I think it’s important to note. Your WHY is so very important when it comes to most things in your life, but specifically lets talk about running.
It’s totally okay and understandable if you’re wanting to run to burn fat, lose weight, get in shape, etc. All the “healthy me” reasons. Yes, that’s great and a part of fitness BUT I don’t think it can be your sole reason for running! Without a why you’re going to skip those hard morning runs, or days when your legs just can’t move anymore.
I’ll go first…
Running is a great mood boost and stress relief for me. It’s upwards of 30 minutes completely to myself. I’m getting fresh air, doing something great for my body, listening to some pump up music and just working through my long list of overthinking that just comes natural for me haha. It’s also working towards a goal that only I can make myself accomplish. So gives me that self discipline factor.
And it’s okay to have goals when it comes to running! I definitely do – hello training for a half this year! But I also enjoy each run, and enjoy the process. This helps with burn out, and eventually when I am able to run 13.1 miles and hit that goal, I won’t be unsatisfied and will actually have loved the whole process! I think goals are great – but they can’t be the end all be all.
FIND YOUR PERFECT RUNNING ACCESSORIES AND CLOTHING
So says the fashion blogger… but your clothing and accessories can actually make or break your run! Weather is a huge factor too! When it comes to what you’re wearing you have to find what you like and what you’re comfortable in! Nothing is worse than being too hot on a run, or messing with your headphones the whole time because they’re falling out.
Finding brands, or items you like might take a few tries, but then stick to what you like!
Just to name a few things:
- breathable material (stay away from cotton)
- shoes made for running
- shorts or leggings that don’t ride up or fall down
- a running belt to hold your stuff
- thick socks
- headphones that don’t budge
- hat if it’s sunny out
- ponytail to keep your hair from moving around
MAKE A BOMB PLAYLIST
When I first started running in college I actually didn’t listen to music while I ran. Do not ask me how or why I did that?! Today my music is everything to me on my run! I have a running playlist on my Spotify with over 100 songs so for the most part I don’t get bored.
I recommend making a playlist for running specifically, and changing it up frequently! Spotify has a ton of pre-made ones if you need ideas.
Also – it’s tempting to only put super fast high beat songs on your playlist, but be mindful of your pace and what each run needs to be like! If it’s a longer run you might need songs with a steady tempo to keep you at a steady pace. Then on the opposite end if you’re doing a quick one mile run go crazy with the fast beat songs!
GET INTO A FUN RUNNING ROUTINE
So my Type A personality might be shinning through – but build some type of routine around your run. Something that you will look forward to! It’s much easier to like something if you have certain habits revolving around it. Maybe you jam out to a certain playlist on your drive to your favorite trails, or you always treat yourself with Chipotle after a long run once a week. It can be something so small – but it makes a difference in your mood!
FIND A RUNNING PARTNER
This might be right up your alley, or maybe you run better solo. You do what works for you! I personally run way better and in turn enjoy my run when I run with a friend! We still both listen to music, and enjoy our “alone time” but both have each other as a motivation to keep going! Also fun just to have someone to chat with after a good run!
DOCK YOUR PROGRESS SOMEWHERE
Keep up with your runs somewhere, solely to look back on! This doesn’t necessarily have to be a progress tracker, or calorie kind of thing. But it’s fun to look back on, and might be that motivation you need. I love to see how my pace or overall time is slowly getting better. On those days when I’m struggling to get moving I’ll go through my running highlight on Instagram or scroll through my Apple Watch fitness app to see previous runs!
This might seem silly but for me it helps! If I look and see that I ran 3.5 miles last week I give myself a pep talk and believe that I can do that again!
That’s it for my thoughts and advice on getting into running. Hope this is helpful to you no matter where your running stage is at!
