Running was never my favourite activity growing up. It’s probably thanks to the remnants of traumatizing ‘Fitness Fridays’ where my school crush would laugh as he out lapped me. Now that I’m an adult, I know how to run with asthma. A sporadic 5k just doesn’t work for me. It takes time and effort to build my lungs up to be in shape enough for longer distance jogs. And I’ve since learned to love running. That feeling when your feet hit the pavement, the wind blowing past you as you dash towards you objectives. Sometimes I can’t help but run with a giant smile on my face just because it feels THAT amazing!
In celebration of adidas runmore.ca, a platform for urban runners to step their game up, I thought I’d share some things that I do to stay focused. On those days when running feels rather stale, or it seems like staying in bed > everything, I use these 5 motivators to help get my butt outside!
1. Set Running Goals
I’m still in the early training days right now, so I very much rely on the goals I set for myself. It’s these self made boundaries that keep me pushing to go those extra few strides. I’ve found plenty of really great resources on Pinterest like this one and this one for other beginners. If you’re a bit more advanced, I have some friends who sign up for half/full marathons and train towards that. It’s up to you, it’s your own journey!
2. Download A Fresh Playlist
I don’t know about you, but music is key to a successful run! Some days I’m really into hip hop, other days I crave top 40 remixes and then sometimes I’m all about indie rock. Then there are those angry days when I put Death From Above 1979 on full blast and run as far and fast as I can! The beauty of Spotify is that you can create your own playlists for all your different running moods! I’m always looking for new tunes, do you have any current recommendations?
3. Invest In Some Running Gear
I AM a fashionista, so my running #ootd is actually very important to me psychologically. I was never an athlete, but putting on the right exercise attire can sure make me feel like one! It’s also very important to get fitted for the right running shoe for yourself for both comfort and to help avoid injury. These adidas energy boost ESM 2 shoes are really great, I’d definitely recommend!
4. Train With An Awesome Running Buddy
As a beginner, finding someone who is patient and wants to help was basically my only option. Thank goodness for an easygoing pal like To Vogue Or Bust! Once I work on this a little bit longer, I have other friends who’ve offered to join me on a run as well, it’s really so special. Though I still prefer to go alone as I train my lungs (and legs), it can really help mix up the usual solo run.
5. Find New Running Routes
Nothing makes me more excited for a run than a change of scenery! Here in beautiful Vancouver, the Sea Wall is always a favourite, but sometimes I like to mix it up with nearby tracks. Sometimes even just running through your neighbourhood can be a welcome change. The good news is, that if you post on instagram while on your favourite running route and use the adidas #runmore hashtag, you could WIN some adidas gear!
Alexandra has some awesome tips for those who are a bit beyond the beginner running phase, be sure to check her post out here. What are some of your motivators to exercise?
