It’s finally summer (thank god). It felt like this day would never come with what a long winter and non-existing spring we had in Boston.
What I love most about summer is getting to spend more time outside, whether it be running, walking, or just lounging. And for someone who lives in New England, I fully appreciate nice weather and soak up every nice day I can get. But I know in a couple of weeks I’ll be complaining that it’s too hot out (typical).
The point of this post is to talk about running not weather, but when it comes to running, weather can play an important role. Being a former marathon runner, I have experienced running in both extremely hot weather as well as cold. Although I prefer running in cold weather over hot, there’s nothing better than getting up early on a summer morning before the sun gets strong and going for a run. There is actually an ideal running temperature, which I talk about in one of my 6 tips that I’m sharing today on how to *actually* enjoy running.
I get it, running isn’t for everyone. And maybe you’ve tried some of the things I mention here and decide its still not for you, and that’s fine. Not every workout is going to work for everyone because just like dieting, there’s no one size fits all when it comes to exercising. But if you are reading this, I’ve piqued your interest at least to try it out. So let’s talk about ways to make running more enjoyable.
If you are new to running or are just looking to find the motivation to run more, here are tips to help you get started and stick with it.
Find your “why”
Simply put, finding a reason to run gives you a reason to start. Whether it is to have more energy, raise money for charity, or for weight-loss, knowing there is a purpose for why you run makes it easier to keep going and will remind you of why you started.
Intrinsic Motivators
Finding your “why” is great, but also making your purpose something intrinsic vs. extrinsic can be the defining factor when it comes to adhering. Intrinsic motivators are internal, things that make you feel good, such as the energy it gives that keep you coming back for more. Extrinsic (external) motivators such as punishment, may make you feel shame if you back out or don’t achieve your goal, which create a negative association when it comes to running. So make sure you are running for intrinsic reasons otherwise you’ll probably end up quitting sooner than you think.
Sign up for a Race
Whether it’s a 5K or marathon, signing up for a race is a great way to get yourself motivated to get moving. And knowing there is an end goal in mind gives you a reason to keep going. In plus, if you back out, you’ll lose out on the money you paid to sign up. Start by signing up for a 5k if you are new to running as its best to ease your way in.
There are a lot of races you can sign up for today that are charity driven. Having run for a charity in the past, it can be extremely rewarding (and a great “why”) especially when the charity you are running for is near and dear to your heart.
Make a kick-a$$ playlist
When I approach a hill or the end of a race, I always make sure I have my favorite “pump-up” song to push me through it.
Once you’ve convinced yourself to get started, make a great playlist that you know will pump you up and get you to move more and for longer periods of time. When I approach a hill or the end of a race, I always make sure I have my favorite “pump-up” song to push me through it.
Run outside (and during ideal conditions)
Unless you are doing treadmill sprints or intervals, the repeated pounding on a treadmill can get boring real fast. Get outside instead. There are so many more distractions when running outside which help make the time go by faster. Not to mention, fresh air just feels so much better and can do wonders for mental health.
Running outside has its challenges, especially when you live in New England like me. If you don’t love running in the cold and you are not training for a marathon then save your runs for when its nice out. Instead, skip the run and go to a fun cardio class like Barry’s Bootcamp, Flywheel, or Orange Theory. Gone are the days when all we do is run when training for a race, cross training and strength training also do wonders and can help tremendously when it comes to race day.
To get the most enjoyment out of running, try running outside when it’s below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Running in hot and humid weather is challenging if you are not acclimated to it and can be dangerous as well. Your body always feels 10-15 degrees warmer then the temperatures you are running in and you should always give yourself about 10 days to get acclimated to hotter temps. My ideal running weather is between 40 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Don’t force it
At the end of the day, if you are forcing yourself to run you will likely back out. And if you decide running is still not for you then maybe its time to quit. But don’t let the over-training for a race or the thought that you have to run be the reason you stop. Give yourself a break and let your legs rest until you are ready to start up again. If running becomes a chore, you are likely going to back out at some point.
Why I run
What keeps me going? The Endorphin’s. I used to run for charity and races but now I run for pure enjoyment. That feeling I get after a good run doesn’t compare to any other workout I do. Having scaled back to doing only 2 runs or so a week, I never get sick of it and can strength train on other days to become a stronger, faster runner.
Follow along on Instagram @fitgreengal as I share in my stories some of my favorite places to run.
xoxo
Marisa
