1) I run to stay fit - I love McDonalds and Coca-Cola. It is impossible to stay healthy with a diet that includes these items, so running balances this; well, it has so far!
2) I love to read but I don't have time - I have no time to read fiction with a full-time job, grad school and a family, so I turned to audiobooks. I can't tell you how many I have read while running over the years, but I would estimate at least 30 books.
3) I am very competitive - It started one day when I found out a colleague's time for the 5k. I set my sights on beating it, and have never stopped. Then, it was the desire to have the Honolulu Marathon t-shirt, just so I could say I did it once. Well, next week will be my fifth marathon! Nike+ has helped a lot setting goals, seeing the times for each run, trying to beat them and better myself. Set a goal and go for it!
4) Running is a cheap exercise - No need for fancy equipment, gym memberships, or trainers, running only requires a pair of running shoes around $100.
5) Stress Relief - I have a lot of stress in my life, I have the constant weight of helping to support my family, the stress of being a teacher, and the fear of failure. Running burns the stress away from me. When you are running for hours on a sidewalk with the trees casting shadows all around you, it gives you time to contemplate and work through issues and goals, fears and dreams.
So, you want to take up running? Here are some hints from someone who has run over 2700 miles in the last four years.
- Go to a running store so they can help you choose the right shoe. The shoes are critical to your safety and endurance.
- Get yourself a ready-dry shirt to run in. It keeps the sweat away from you.
- Pick some nice routes around your house where you can either loop back to get fluids or a route with drinking fountains spaced regularly. Running with water bottles is just extra weight.
- Get yourself the Nike+ app or another app so you can track your miles and set goals.
- Look to Hal Higdon to help plan your training, especially long distance training.
- Have fun when your running! Listen to music or an audiobook!
Two other quotes to encourage you:
- Never give up, never give up, never give up (Heard at my sister's graduation speech in 1987).
- Argue for your limitations, and sure enough, they're yours. - Richard Bach, Illusions ------ You can do it, if you believe in yourself!
Good luck, and may the traffic lights always change to green as you approach!
