Running can be hard to love.
It’s difficult to do when you’re not used to running and even if you are, you can still hate it. It’s sometimes boring and just altogether a difficult task. It is time to fall in love with running because it has the potential to extend your life by a few years.
Here are a few ways to improve your relationship with the dreaded run:
Work through the side effects. If running causes side effects like itchy legs, keep moving. Eventually this side effect will go away and your run will feel more comfortable. You can avoid black toenails by wearing well-fitted tennis shoes. Also, if you often get injured from the high impact of running, try shorter strides with a softer landing.
Buy awesome running outfits. Looking the part helps a great deal. Splurging on an awesome pair of running shoes, comfy socks, super cute shorts, pants, tanks, tees and track jackets will motivate you to get out there and hit the pavement. Plus, showing off with a selfie in your new gear can make you feel amazing. Look good, feel good, run…good!
Make a running playlist. We’ve created a few motivation playlists. You don’t have to choose ours, but create one with your favorite upbeat songs to keep you going. Even adding slower jams in between can help you when you want to slow down every once in awhile. A nice mix of both can help you alternate between going hard and taking a breather.
Get a running buddy. Running is more fun when you do it with a friend. According to Runner’s World, “Training partners are one of the most valuable tools a runner can have.” Partners provide a sense of accountability. They are counting on you to show up and perform and vice versa. Find someone positive who also wants to run.
Get off the treadmill and take it outside. The gym is an awesome place to get fit, but it’s not much to look at. Get to know the great outdoors and find scenic routes. Run downtown, in your favorite cute neighborhood or at the beach. “Many outdoor runners have no qualms about running without their iPods or external motivation sources because the scenery alone is enough to entertain them,” wrote Jennipher Walters, a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor. Don’t give up the treadmill, but give yourself a variety of landscapes to look at.
This won’t happen overnight. Running is hard and if you haven’t been running for years, it’s even worse. Your relationship with running will take time and dedication to nurture just like any other relationship in your life. Don’t let running be your enemy—make it work!
Feature Photo via We Heart It