31 Days of Motivational Running

I wanted to add all of my posts at the top, so if you are looking for the list its right here, rather than scrolling through.
Day 1:  Introduction – You are here 🙂
Day 2:  Start Small, Build Slow
Day 3:  It Doesn’t Have To Be Boring
Day 4:  Stitches
Day 5:  Keep a Diary
Day 6:  Dangerous Thoughts
Day 7:  Week 1 Done – Some Suggestions
Day 8:  Treadmill Training – Baby it’s cold (or raining) outside
Day 9:  A Motivational Quote for You
Day 10:  Distractions
Day 11:  Partner Up!
Day 12:  Another Motivational Quote to Ponder
Day 13:  A Word on Dehydration and Motivation
Day 14:  Week 2 Flew!  Check in
Day 15:  Mornings
Day 16:  Visual Motivators
Day 17:  Knees
Day 18:  Another Motivational Quote
Day 19:  Don’t Forget
Day 20:  The Coach
Day 21:  Week 3 – Almost There!
Day 22:  Give Yourself a Break
Day 23:  Lower Legs and Feet
Day 24:  Control
Day 25:  Another Motivational Quote
Day 26:  Keeping a Log?
Day 27:  Test Yourself
Day 28:  Week 4 – This is it!
Day 29:  Goal Time
Day 30:  Chart It Out
Day 31:  What Is Your Incentive?

Also, if you want more motivation, you might want to follow my Pin Board ‘Run’!

So we’ll see how this goes but I plan on writing everyday through the month of October (for the 31 Days Challenge) on running, or more specifically motivating yourself to run.  

Uggghhh!  Many of you may say because you hate – or maybe I should’ve all-caps that word (hate) – running.  I am one that does not, but yes, I once did.  I also coached many high schoolers that hated it but somehow found a way to do it everyday (and love some parts).  I think it has to do with how you approach it and especially with how you get yourself through the first horrible month of running regularly.

Recently, I began running regularly again after 2 years of really not running.  It has been one month of slowly, very slowly accepting some things and keeping myself in the groove of going out and getting it done.  It was a tough month, but now I think if I stopped I would miss it and I definitely would lose the energy I’ve gained.  

I’ve always loved coaching track and I do really miss it since I quit 9 months ago, so I thought I would put all my experience from running myself and coaching here – hopefully to your benefit!  (I’ve been secretly wanting to do this for a while but couldn’t quite bring myself to do it – so the 31 Days Challenge is what I thought the perfect place to start).

Don’t groan already but have an open mind to running.  I know its not the ‘in-style’ type of workout compared to others like Crossfit or Bar workouts etc, but here are some reasons to get started now.

1.  It is virtually free – all you need is a good pair of running shoes, a sports bra (for girls), shorts or pants, and a t-shirt (I still run in plain cotton t-shirts).  No gym membership, no gear (you don’t even need a watch if you don’t want it – I don’t really use one, nor do I use my phone or even a music player – but that is totally up to you.)

2.  You can do it anywhere – If you travel – find a treadmill in a hotel, or a park, or just run down the street.  If you work from home, walk outside your door.  Or if you can, do my favorite and find a park with horse, bike or hiking trails and run.  

3.  You Will have More energy!! I promise.  Sounds odd because you are expending more energy but you will.  After a week of running regularly (not necessarily every day, but at least 3-4 days) you will notice it.  

4.  You will feel it in your muscles, and that will make you feel good.  

5.  It doesn’t have to be boring.  I actually use to think creatively and let my mind wander.  There are other things you can do to – I’ll cover that later.

6.  If you have a child, or two – go on Craigs list, find a cheap used running stroller, and take them with you!  I absolutely love my running stroller.

7.  Any other reasons you can think of?? I’m sure I can and will later on 🙂

So here is the thing.  I’ll be posting every day through October tips, ideas, motivational quotes and suggestions to help you get through one month (and hopefully many more) of running.  Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned runner, I think you’ll find most of it of interest to you.  

Even if you don’t do it – read it – maybe it will motivate you at some point!  So here goes!  Below you will find a link to everyday as I write, so you can come back to this page each day and click on the corresponding link.  Bookmark me!!  Or you can be sure to get all of the posts by subscribing by email in the sidebar.  

Maybe this will start me on track to start including more running in my posts.

Day 1:  Introduction – You are here 🙂
Day 2:  Start Small, Build Slow
Day 3:  It Doesn’t Have To Be Boring
Day 4:  Stitches
Day 5:  Keep a Diary
Day 6:  Dangerous Thoughts
Day 7:  Week 1 Done – Some Suggestions
Day 8:  Treadmill Training – Baby it’s cold (or raining) outside
Day 9:  A Motivational Quote for You
Day 10:  Distractions
Day 11:  Partner Up!
Day 12:  Another Motivational Quote to Ponder
Day 13:  A Word on Dehydration and Motivation
Day 14:  Week 2 Flew!  Check in
Day 15:  Mornings
Day 16:  Visual Motivators
Day 17:  Knees
Day 18:  Another Motivational Quote
Day 19:  Don’t Forget
Day 20:  The Coach
Day 21:  Week 3 – Almost There!
Day 22:  Give Yourself a Break
Day 23:  Lower Legs and Feet
Day 24:  Control
Day 25:  Another Motivational Quote
Day 26:  Keeping a Log?
Day 27:  Test Yourself
Day 28:  Week 4 – This is it!
Day 29:  Goal Time
Day 30:  Chart It Out
Day 31:  What Is Your Incentive?

Also, if you want more motivation, you might want to follow my Pin Board ‘Run’!