A Running Mom

Photo Credit: KitAy

Tip 8: Do It For A Reason!

Ok. I’ve been on vacation, traveling and I took a break from my blog.  But surely time has brought more discipline and focus to our running, right?  We are running more regularly, with more passion, regularity and intensity.  Yes? No?

Ok. Still, we need motivation.  Here’s where Tip 8 comes in.

Tip 8:  Stop running just for you.

Choose a purpose for your running. Choose a cause; an organization; a benefactor; a friend. Choose something or someone who could benefit from your running and commit to them; him; her.

The people in this picture are paddling for peace.

Powerful, yes?

If the caption read: a group of fun-loving friends enjoying padding along the river. This would not have carried as much clout, right? This is the point of Tip 8.

We had our first child in June 1997. We had lost our first friend that year, too. I needed motivation to carry on and care for myself and do a simple thing called running. So, a friend and I decided to sign up for the Paris Marathon. We ran it for our friend. I ran it for him and me. Committing to that run made me commit to more than just training. It made me focus on doing something bigger than something just for me. At the end of that race I felt like a special person. I had endured tough circumstances as a nursing mom to get those miles in — no need for details here — it was challenging! So crossing that finish line meant so much on so many levels. I loved it. It became a lifelong memory.

Crazy? Maybe.

Worth it? Definately.

May your next run be a good one.

Rebecca

Photo Credit: Ecnerwal

Tip 7: Make It Pretty!

Sound too fluffy? It’s true! Plan at least one a week that is pretty. You know, one that offers eye candy. Great inspiration. Views. Perhaps a place of sentimental value. You know why? Then the run all of a sudden becomes WORTH IT! You must plan, make extra time, consider options, perhaps discuss ideas about where you will run. Not every day. Just once a week. And shazam! You’ll find yourself hankering that run. Wishing it was Saturday so you could go on that run. You may even plan a run that’s just a little challenging… a-ha!  And then you’ll have to make sure that you’re ready for the upcoming run. So you’ll plan a couple of more challenging runs in preparation of the “pretty” one. I’m telling you, it’s powerful stuff.

One of my fave all-time runs is the Brooklyn Bridge. Just experiencing that fabulous moment of crossing over the Brooklyn Bridge and all of a sudden you can’t see the whole city any longer so it kind of feels like the city swallows you whole is absolutely envigorating. I just love it.

I recently had the chance to run the Brooklyn Bridge 3 times in a row. What a feeling! I’m ready to run the NYC Marathon again after all that fabulousness! LOL. But really, it was a great inspirational moment and it made me realize that those pretty, “eye candy” runs can tip the scale for getting me committed to a better running routine. Let it tip your scale, too.

May your next run be a good one.

Rebecca

Photo Credit: by UNC - CFC - USFK

Tip 6: Run B4 You Think!

This tip is so funny, but true, that you ought to just try it. You know how you wake up and start thinking about the day, what you need to do and all that’s challenging you at the present time? Try this! Wake up and go run. Don’t think. Just get out there and start running!

Before you know it, the run is completed and you can go about your day with absolute clarity.

This is exactly what I did today. Before I could gather a cohesive thought, my feet were passing each other on the road. By the time I returned to my house, I had calculated the day and my to-do list to a point that actually made sense, not stress. It was a great day. Best of the week.

May your next run be a good one!

Rebecca

Photo Credit: Tony the Misfit

Tip Five: Ask Your Friends. Before you bail on any given run on any given day, just ask someone you know what they think about this decision. Or let them in on your inner debate.  For example, you look out the window and it’s raining. It’s pouring. The old man is snoring. You can’t imagine running in the rain today. You start considering the treadmill, the gym, the possibility of post-posing the whole week’s running plan because of the terribly disappointing weather. Before you make your decision, reach out to some friends and get their feedback. You might be surprised by the answers you get!

This is how it worked out for me this week.  I looked out the window and saw the rain pouring down. I debated running in it vs. running on the treadmill. So I reached out to my Twitter friends because in my gut I knew what I thought I ought to do, but I just needed a little push. And they responded immediately! It was so inspiring! Their answer? GO run in the rain!

Thanks, @katgautreaux and @_jenniferlynn_! My two new BFFs helped me remember the fun of running in the rain and even better, helped me achieve my running goals last week! Had I run on the treadmill, I never would have run 4 miles. I would have run a quick 2. And you know what? I loved that run in the rain!

Next time it’s raining, I’m going to kick up my heels and go for it.

May your next run be a good one.

Rebecca