On Sunday, following my long run of the week, I ran into a friend at the coffee shop and she said, "I've been trying for 3 years to do the Couch To 5K program"....which inspired this post. People are always asking me, "How do you do it!? I could never run that far!" And my response is always the same, "You CAN run that far {If I can do it, anyone can}, you just have to start slow, and build up." No one {or at least most people} is going to be able to run 10 miles on their first run. And I couldn't either...
But, what motivates me the most is having a race {that I am signed up for!!} to look forward to! For me personally, the energy and excitement of a race is so inspiring & motivating, and keeps me going back for more.
Here are a few things I enrouage everyone who is thinking about running to do:
- Find a race that looks FUN {There are a lot of holiday & themed runs like the Turkey Trot, Couple Truffle Shuffle, Monster Dash, Shamrock Run, Pints to Pasta, etc}! The run that I think looks the most fun, and is bringing in a lot of new/first time runners is The Color Run!
- SIGN-UP: with no race on the schedule, you have all the excuses in the world to not train.
- Find someone {friend, family member, work colleague} who will train and run with you {or at least do one of two}. A lot of times, the best part of my day is running with all of my running friends.
- Use a training plan: A great plan for first time runners is the Couch To 5K
- Trust the process and believe in yourself!!!
GET OUT THERE AND RUN! YOU CAN DO IT!!!
Great tips! I always tell people that if I can do it, anyone can. When I started out I was a chain-smoker and 50 lbs over weight. I couldn't even run 5 minutes straight! Several years later I'm training for my first marathon. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post Holly!! You are right, anyone can do it by starting slow and building :)
ReplyDeletethe color run does sound VERY exciting!! didn't get signed up for the nashville one in time this year! I too get people saying the same thing about running....there is definitely a lot of mind over matter....even for me during a race I seem to hit a mental block everytime round mile 10 or 11. no matter my time crossing that finish line I always try o remind myself I'm doing better than the couch potato huh?!!
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