Tips for Running (When you HATE running)

Four years ago, when I started the Couch to 5k program to prove that I, too, could run more than five steps, I never would have thought that I’d eventually be working on a goal to complete 14 5ks in one year. As I type this, I’ve just finished my 9th official race with my big sister.

Do I enjoy running? Surprisingly, the answer is generally, “No.” I’d rather lie on my couch, eat bon-bons, and watch an old rerun of Friends. But, since that plan doesn’t really help my pants fit me very well (and because it would make me less-than-healthy), I have actually been taking myself outside on a regular basis to move at what many would consider a jogging speed.

If you’re anything like I was, you’re thinking that the gal behind the computer screen who writes this blog is adorable and funny. You’re thinking that in this hilarity, there’s no way that anything she says is going to help anyone become a runner. I beg to differ. Bottom line: if I can do it, you can totally do it. Thus, I offer my tips for running for those of you who think you hate it.

Get out of Your Own Head

Out of every type of physical activity I’ve ever done, running has been the most mental for me. I find that the more I think about it, the harder it can be. I try to get out of my own head by doing a few things.

• Listen to music – Some people prefer to not have music playing, but it helps me to not listen to myself breathing or running. If I can hear my shoes hitting the pavement, I start to think about how loud I am or how hard I’m running. If I can hear myself breathing, I start to think about how bad my breathing technique is. Or, I start to consider that maybe I should just stop since I’m breathing so raggedly. So, I choose music that makes me move and lets me think about something other than the pain I’m going through.
• Ignore the on-lookers – When I pass by someone working in their yard or sitting on their porch, I do my best to either smile and wave at them or simply ignore them. At first, I was always worried that they were thinking I looked like such a loser. Then, I started thinking, “But I’m DOING this. This is not easy stuff!” Taking that into consideration, I quit being so self-conscious.
• Let your mind wander – Writing lesson plans or checking off a to-do list in my mind helps my mind wander. I find that if I can think about issues that don’t apply to running, I do a lot better. Time will fly faster then, too. This hasn’t always been easy. At first, all I could think about was that I was thinking about not thinking about running (still following me?). As I’ve done this more and more, I find myself realizing that I’ve been going for a while and thinking about more than the sweat running down my face.

Wear the Right Stuff

There are so many stores and cute outfits to wear while running. But you don’t have to be fashionable. After all, you’re running and sweating and huffing and puffing.

• Pants are important – As tempting as it is to wear shorts, you may want to consider longer bermudas or capris. I cannot handle anything riding up into any sort of nether-region. Every time I try to wear shorts, I spend more time pulling them down than I do focusing on the run.
• You don’t need fancy tops – My husband bought me the cutest top for running in the winter months. It’s super fashionable and trendy. But, when I try to wear it while running, it scrunches up over my stomach, and I find myself pulling it down constantly. Now, when I run, I opt for not-so-attractive tank tops. Some of them are even maternity tanks. I use these so that I don’t have to keep adjusting while I’m running. I’m frustrated enough that I am out there hoofing it down the street. I don’t need to be annoyed by my shirt as well!
• Shoes make a big difference – My shoes are running shoes. After about a year of running with them, my feet and legs were hurting. My hairstylist (who also happens to run) mentioned that I should probably change my shoes to a new pair. Lo and behold, my feet quit hurting! So, make the investment. If you’re going to try to make a go of this, take yourself to the store for decent running shoes, and don’t keep using a pair you’ve had since college (unless of course you just graduated from college).

Eat the Right Stuff

I would love to only eat ice cream and cookies (no, I’m serious), but it’s just not in my best interest if I’m trying to be healthy and in shape.

• Fuel the machine – If you’re still eating fast food and drinking soda, probably the best things aren’t happening in your body. I’m by no means perfect (seriously — cookies), but I know that I feel so much better after I’ve eaten well. Protein is needed. Fruits and vegetables are needed. Even carbs are needed to an extent. Our bodies need the right balance of fuel to keep working.
• Water! – It goes without saying that you need to be hydrated if you plan to exercise. This is one of my weakest points. It’s kind of dumb how often I actually forget to take a sip of water. My goal is 64 ounces (minimum) a day. When I’ve achieved this on a regular basis, my runs are easier and my body recovers faster.

It’s Not Just About the Running

As much as I’d love to only run and be in amazing shape, I know that the key to being a good runner (and a successful one) is to take care of my whole body regularly.

• Cross-training can help – When I was part of my boot camp last summer, I worked out every day except one. My arms, torso, and legs were doing other exercises besides the running I did three times a week. The more I kept up this routine, the stronger my body felt while jogging.
• Sleep: It does a body good – Not going to sleep at a decent hour? Guilty as charged. But I do know that I need the rest. Experts, as most of us know, say we need 6-8 hours a night. Again, on days that I’ve run after having been on a good sleep schedule, I run much more successfully.

Set a Goal

“Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.”(Thomas Jefferson)

• Short term goals – After I finished the Couch 2 5k program, I was just happy I could run more than 10 minutes at a time. The fact that I had run for a straight 30 minutes was outstanding. Was I finishing a full 5k in that time? Nope. But I ran for that length of time, and that was a big deal. Then, I started setting goals of running 1 mile successfully. When I started doing that in about 10 minutes, I moved my goal to 2 miles. Once my sister and I set our goal for 2014, I knew I needed to run more. Now, I run 2 miles twice a week with a 3.1 mile run on Saturdays. Some runs are better than others (because I’m doing the things I mentioned above), and some aren’t. But, I’m still out there doing it. Having my goal of running the official 5ks has helped me do the training.
• Long term goals – We set our 14 in 2014 goal so that we wouldn’t stop. Luckily, my sister and I are geared similarly in that we respond well to challenge. Knowing that we’ve already made it to 9 races is amazing.

Accountability

Telling someone that you’re going to do it usually leads to actually doing it. At least this works for me, anyway. When I let people know that I have set a specific goal, I have spoken it out loud. It makes the goal real.

• Have a partner, or two, or three – Knowing that my sister is running with me at these races definitely keeps me moving. I’m there to give her support just like she’s there to give me support. I also have some friends through Facebook who help me stay accountable. When I see them posting their exercise for the day, I almost feel guilty for not going out and doing it myself. It’s nice to have my own set of cheerleaders to talk to, too.
• Make it public – I find that when I post my success on Facebook or Twitter or Instagram, I get a lot of “woohoo!” and “way to go!” responses. It spurs me on to do more. It really is nice to have friends and family encourage me.

 Running doesn’t have to be something you hate. I will admit — begrudgingly — that I’ve even sort of started liking it. Mostly, I like it when I win a medal or have a personal best. The sweat I used to abhor? It’s becoming something like a medal of honor for me now.

What have I forgotten? What are your tips for being a successful runner even when you think you can’t?

Tags: health, running, tips