NWR: Runners

DanikaMarie0227

Are any of you ladies runners? I'm training for my first (and most likely last!) marathon & lacking motivation to get out of the house and get my run done before work this morning (who am I kidding - I have to talk myself into it almost every day). So instead of being outside doing my scheduled 7 miles, I am clearly procrastinating by writing this post, noticing that I should do the dishes, or play with my dog (he obviously needs extra attention more than I need to run 7 miles, right?! LoL). How do you ladies combat lack of motivation?

RebeccaFlower

I say that I'm pretending to run. I signed up for my second 5k in September, but the last one was a couple years ago. I'm in great shape- spinning & yoga are my activities of choice, but I really want to do this. I just got back from a whopping 1.25 run. It seems so pathetic compared to a full marathon! That is just incredible and I have so much respect for that. 

I know it's totally different since yours is waaaay harder, but I love how I feel when I get home. I feel strong and powerful and it definitely sets my day in a better direction than when I skip yoga or run. 

I have a girlfriend that puts $1 in a jar every time she works out, then she gets to buy herself something once she has enough money. 

ETA: I also have a much easier time when I lay my clothes out and have everything ready (for the whole morning... running stuff, lunches prepped, etc) so I can just change and head out the door when I wake up. 

AlexaF2014

I like the Running Dollar jar! Maybe think of something you want to buy, and put a dollar in for every mile you run? Suddenly, it's not working out, it's earning that super cute dress, or fancy dinner, or on sale make-up set.

I've had a lot of trouble with motivation too. I was gun-ho working out for about 2 months, then I just dropped out. I've gotten back into it again because my FI started working out and we go together. You need an accountability buddy, someone waiting for you to get running in the morning because they're running with you. I'm the type of person that doesn't want to let people down, and I've always found that having a buddy helps a ton.

Good luck, you can do it!

jenna8984

When I was training for my half marathon I didn't miss a singe day. I just told myself that on that day when I'm in the race, I want to be able to say "I tried my best. I really gave this the most I had, so if I have to walk or I get a crappy time, at least I know I really did give my best" I didn't want to be running the race with regret in my mind that I shouldn't have skipped those 3 days. That would have eaten at me forever lol.

But it was funny, I was thinking the half would be like a stepping stone to a full marathon and it had the absolute opposite affect on me. I finshed the half (didn't walk once), laid down on the concrete and practically died, and said fuck ever doing that again! So instead of continuing towards the full, I went back to 5k's lol

mrsmorales2be

I'm a wannabe runner.  I love the idea of doing a 5K - especially like the Color Run, etc - but I lack the motivation to complete even a C25K program.  I always start well, and fold around the end of week 3. 

Yeah, I got nothin'.

DanikaMarie0227

@RebeccaFlower - that's not pathetic at all! We all start somewhere. 2 years ago I was training for my first 5k & it was hard. My favorite running quote is "It never gets easier, you just get better." & the running dollar jar is a fantastic idea!

@AlexaF2014 - I definitely need to find a running buddy. FI & I train together occasionally but he's way too fast for me (and I consider myself kind of fast, haha) - and he's crazy training for Ironman's and stuff now.

@jenna8984 - It's SO funny that you say that. When I finished my first half marathon all I could think was "OMG, I'm practically dead & these crazy people are going to do it all over again" (there was a full marathon going on simultaneously). I had ZERO desire to run a full marathon and had a grand plan to train to just get really fast for 5ks. Then in a moment of weakness & peer pressure, FI & a girlfriend of ours back home somehow convinced me to sign up for one. FI signed me up (he knew I wouldn't do it myself) and I immediately regretted the decision. LOL

@mrsmorales2be - C25K is how I got started running...and to be totally honest, I lacked the motivation to do it on my own. FI had to nag me to get my lazy butt out the door for the entire training program!

Good news - did the 7 miles though. This weekend I attempt 14 miles, which will be the farthest I've ever run! EEK!

daria24

I'm training right now for my first at marathon. I run after work though, no way in hell am I waking up before work and getting it done. 4 out of 5 runs a week I meet my running club so it's easier to get it done. I struggle to get my supplemental stuff done-strength training, stretching, foam rolling, etc.

I mainly stay motivated by thinking of the friends I have that half-asses training and then took 7 hours to finish. I'm not letting that happen to me!

I'm sick of training already though and I have 13 weeks to go. My last half though I felt really strong and could have kept going. My first half though I thought I was going to die.

WinstonsGirl

I've stopped running, so I can't really help.  When I was doing 5/10k's, I always signed up for the class.  They had twice weekly free "practice" sessions that anyone could go to.  Those are what kept me really accountable.  

IMathlete

A group REALLY does help. A lot of training programs are kicking off right now, so reach out to local running stores to see if they have programs. I always show up for my group runs because I know someone is counting on me.

If a group isn't an option, check out the Facebook page for the race you're doing, and see if anyone else local is doing it.

Other than that, I say just make yourself do it. It will become habit after a month or so, but it's a struggle in the beginning. Good luck!

jenna8984

That's really funny that you had the same reaction to the half as me! I was like ok, done, checkmark, never again! lol. No way I could get roped into a full but you are awesome so good luck to you!

I personally can't run in a group or even with one person. I need to have my music and I need to go at my own pace. I don't like feeling like am I going to fast for them, am I going to slow for them? To me running is an emotional release that I use to clear my mind and think of fun things so I can't be running with people worrying about them.

Chipmunk415

Im on week three of the couch to 5k and i love it. I have knee problems but I feel like im building towards a goal without killing myself.

Im hoping to do the thanksgiving turkey trot 5k and the winter "jingle bell run" in my city.

Im in Florida and right now outside exercise is unbearable but ive a treadmill that im training on. My goal is to be up to 4 miles by early October, work on speed, and start running outside once the weather isnt the current hot humid disgusting mug.

JCbride2015

I had to stop running because of an injury, but I work out several days a week still.  The biggest thing for me is that it has to be an appointment.  That's why I like group classes, because I have to show up at the gym on time.  Not like if I'm working out at home, where I can think, just 5 more minutes.

It also helps to have somewhere beautiful to run.  Do you have a nice park or something that is enjoyable to run around, maybe with pretty scenery or some water?

sophhabobopha

I HATE running. HATE. I love working out, walk/hike/swim at least once a day, but I hate running with a firey passion of a thousand suns.

Aray82

iPod mini with a kickass playlist

DanikaMarie0227

@daria24 - Which marathon are you running? I have 12 weeks left I think. Around week 8, I'm always ready to be done so for shorter races I modify my training schedules to be only 8 weeks. Obviously that isn't going to happen for a marathon! I secretly want to finish in under 4 hours so I should probably not skip runs, LoL. I can't run after work because I generally don't get home until about 8pm (and in winter it's way too dark). I also find that I'm having a hard time getting to the gym to lift enough & I avoid the foam roller even though I shouldn't.

I've thought about joining a group but the problem I find is that group schedules either never fit with my work schedule or I would have to get up - travel 40 minutes to run, 40 minutes home, get ready for work, and then go 40 minutes back in the same direction for work (getting around NYC is a pain in the butt IMO). 

@jenna8984 - Sometimes I use music, sometimes I skip it, depending on how I'm feeling. I know what you mean about not wanting to worry about pacing. It's hard to find someone who runs the same pace as you & it can be frustrating for both parties if paces are too far off. 

@chipmunk415 - Good for you! I'm a huge fan of C25K for beginning - it's really effective! I can only imagine how awful running in the FL weather must be right now because it's been pretty rough in NY. I had the opposite problem this past winter - the ice and cold were so awful I had to resort to "dreadmill" running - I hated it, I was so bored after about 2 minutes. 

Kauris

I've done four half marathons and I had a running group that I met with every week for my long runs. Plus I actually LOVED running. I can't anymore because of my knee, but I just got that high that annoying runner people talk about. 

Good luck!

daria24

DanikaMarie0227 I'm running NYC this year. Most of my club runs are in Central Park (and I live on the UES) so it's convenient enough. We do have a Monday right along the Hudson though, which is nice. We also sometimes have weekend runs in Brooklyn, Queens, or the Bronx to mix things up.  

kat1114

I ran my first half a few years ago. One thing that helped me was not running the whole time! Seriously. I follow Jeff Galloway's training method and he is a huge advocate of doing a run/walk ratio throughout your whole training. I found that it helped me not feel so awful when I was running, which made me more excited about going out for runs. Here's a link to his explanation of the run/walk ratio: http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/run-walk/

mschristie123

When DH and I first started dating we did maybe 7 or 8 5/10k's one summer. It was the best I've ever felt! I've fallen off the running band wagon more so in the last year or so, so you have all my kudos for all the training you're doing!! I'm not sure where you live, but in Chicago, they have running clubs and different running groups (through Fleet Feet, Lululemon, etc). I'm not sure if that would help in terms of your long training runs, but it might be nice to run with a group of other people. Maybe help keep you accountable and make it more fun. Good luck!!

slothiegal

Yay fellow runners!

I admit, I've been completely slacking the past couple months.  I also think I must have been huffing glue one night, because somehow I got the great idea to sign up for a tri the week after we get back from our honeymoon.  (Granted, it's only a sprint, and I've done it before but...I am stupid.)

Which training plan are you using?  I used Hal Higdon for my half, and am going to start training for a full when I get settled from wedding craziness.

DanikaMarie0227

@kassmith1 - Thanks! I've been running for 2 years now & I'm still waiting for that high to make in appearance! 

@daria24 - Awesome! I live all the way up at the tippy top of Manhattan in Inwood, so it's tough to get to CP for runs. I usually run down the Greenway/West Side Highway or up into the Bronx and around VanCortlandt Park. I've thought about joining a club but debate because I'm not sure if I would actually make it to runs. 

@kat1114 - The walk/run thing worked great for me when training for my first 5k - I would always think "I can make it through this because I know a walk portion is coming up." It was like a little treat. But after my first race, my competitive side took over ;-)

DanikaMarie0227

Yay! So many runners

@slothiegal - Kudos to you for signing up for a tri! FI has tried to convince me to sign up for one & I refuse. He's talking about signing up for a full Ironman like the month after our wedding. I am trying to veto this idea but I think I'm losing. Although, currently, his open water swim training works just fine as time for me to sit on the beach ;-) I also used Hal Higdon for my half training and it's what I'm using for the full also. I'm using the Intermediate 1 now and just modify some of the runs to include speed training. 

daria24

@DanikaMarie0227 Inwood is tough. You should look into the Van Cordlandt Track Club though-they are huge and have a lot of training groups. And I'm sure you can just show up and try them out a few times before you join. That's what I did with my group, I ran with them about 6 times before I actually paid. And it's usually like $20-40 a year, so it's not a huge money commitment, if you only end up running with them a handful of times. Do you work near any running stores? They always have group runs and free bag storage. Anyone can leave their bags at the Running Company in Columbus Circle and go run. I leave my stuff there a few nights a week to meet my group at 7pm.

CrazyCatLady3

jenna8984 said:

When I was training for my half marathon I didn't miss a singe day. I just told myself that on that day when I'm in the race, I want to be able to say "I tried my best. I really gave this the most I had, so if I have to walk or I get a crappy time, at least I know I really did give my best" I didn't want to be running the race with regret in my mind that I shouldn't have skipped those 3 days. That would have eaten at me forever lol.

But it was funny, I was thinking the half would be like a stepping stone to a full marathon and it had the absolute opposite affect on me. I finshed the half (didn't walk once), laid down on the concrete and practically died, and said fuck ever doing that again! So instead of continuing towards the full, I went back to 5k's lol

LOL.  I did my first half marathon in January.  Before I ran it, I had gradiose ideas of graduating to a full marathon for next year.  After the race, I thought, hm, "13.1 miles is really enough."

ETA: I did my training with a running group, which really helps with accountability.