Motivation Tip: Start a Running Blog
It seems like every day another running friend is telling me about a running blog that they started, sending me a link to their blog, or posting updates about it on Facebook or Twitter. They write about anything related to running -- their training, race performances, funny things that happened to them while running, helpful tips for other runners. I know that I get inspired by reading all these blogs, and it's definitely motivational for the runners who are keeping the blogs.
Sharing your running experiences with the world (OK, maybe the entire world isn't reading it, but I'm sure you'll have some kind of audience) helps you feel more committed to your running habit or your training regimen. I've also talked to runners who have said that revisiting old entries in their blogs has helped them realize how far they've progressed or reassured them that they can make it through those times when they're feeling sluggish, lazy, or sore during their training.
If you're ready to join the blogosphere, here are some articles to help you start your own running blog and build your traffic:
- Top 10 Tips for Beginner Bloggers
- Create a Free Blog in Four Easy Steps
- 15 Tips to Increase Your Blog Traffic
Once you have it up and running, share your running blog here.
Running Through the Recession
The U.S. economy may be down, but road race participation numbers are way up.
Some 9.2 million people completed a certified road race in the U.S. in 2008, up from 3.7 million in 1987. Of those, 425,000 completed a marathon (26.2 miles), according to Running USA, a non-profit group that promotes running. That's up from 143,000 marathon runners in 1980. The numbers are expected to be even higher this year, says Running USA's Ryan Lamppa in a recent article. "There is still a pent-up demand for races in the country."
What's behind the growth? Running is a cheap way to exercise, a fast way to lose weight, and an inexpensive way to socialize. Also, running "gives you something to control -- you can't control the stock market or the economy, but you can control your health," says Lamppa.
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Get Running Inspiration at Work
After you've spent a long day at work, it can be tough to get motivated to go for a run or hit the gym. But you can try to keep yourself motivated by creating some running inspiration in your cubical, office, or other workspace. Here are some ideas:
Decorate your workspace with running memorabilia. Post a bib number from a race or hang some of your finishers' medals. Or, put a picture of yourself from your best race on your desk, for a confidence boost.
Post quotes about running. Running quotes are a great way to boost your motivation. You may want to post a new quote every week, depending on what you're training for or how you're feeling that week.
Get inspired by other runners online. There are tons of online running forums, like the one on this site, where you can exchange information and support with other runners. Of course, just make sure you don't spend all day on your computer talking about running. (I want you to get motivated, but I also want you to keep your job!)
More Running Motivation:
- Tips for Getting Motivated to Run
- Top Excuses to Not Run and How to Beat Them
- How to Keep Your Running Habit
Pick Your Marathon
If you're looking for a unique experience or a fabulous destination, check out this list of top U.S. spring marathons. Any one of them will make all those miles run in winter weather totally worth it. And if you feel like you're not quite ready to take on 26.2 miles, check out this list of top U.S. spring half-marathons.
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How Runners Can Support Recycling
Americans will be reminded of the importance of recycling this Sunday, which is America Recycles Day. Celebrating its 12th year, the day has grown to include millions of Americans pledging to increase their recycling habits at home and work and to buy products made with recycled materials.
Of course, it's important to think about recycling every day of the year. Here are some ways that runners can promote the social, environmental and economic benefits of recycling:
Recycle your used running shoes. There are lots of shoe recycling or donation programs that will put your used shoes to good use.
Find races that are environmentally-friendly. Many races throughout the country are trying to become more green by doing things such as recycling paper and plastic and offering used shoe collection. Check out the Greenteam, a group of races that are making environmentally-friendly changes to their races.
Don't throw away plastic bottles. Use refillable water bottles instead of throwaway plastic bottles during runs and races.
Give your running clothes new life. If you have piles of running clothes that no longer fit you (thanks to weight loss - congrats!), you can sell your used running clothes at a local consignment shop or on sites like eBay or Craiglist. Or, if you have a stack of race T-shirts that you know you'll never wear, donate them to charities such as Goodwill or Salvation Army, or list them on Freecycle.com.
Recycle your electronic gadgets. Runners are known for loving their gadgets and frequently replacing them. Check out Earth 911's website for information on how you can recycle electronic goods such as MP3 players and cell phones.
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Winter-Proof Your Workouts
If you're one of those people who continue to run outside despite cold temperatures, blustery wind, and even snowy roads, you've probably heard more than once, "Why would you run outside in this weather?" Or, you may be the person asking that question.
Even if you're new to running, there are ways that you can "train your brain" to run straight through the winter months. Try some of these ideas:
Run with a group or a buddy. Find a local running group or recruit a friend to run with you. Knowing that someone is waiting for you will help motivate you to do those chilly runs.
Get the right clothes. Wearing running clothes that are right for cold weather running makes a huge difference in your comfort and motivation levels. Even though winter running clothes are not cheap, a few quality pieces are worth the investment.
Be prepared to run or work out indoors. Sometimes it's just not safe to run outside when it's extremely cold or very icy. But if you miss a few runs because of bad weather, it's very tempting to then just give it up completely during the winter. Keep up your exercise habit by running on a treadmill or doing other indoor workouts.
Sign up for races. Doing road races throughout the winter is a great way to guarantee you'll a) keep motivated to stay in shape and b) run outside, at least occasionally (for the races).
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Gifts for Runners
Around this time last year, I was eagerly awaiting the birth of my son. Because he was due a week before Christmas, I made every effort to get all my holiday shopping done in November. By the time he was born on December 15, I had everything bought and wrapped, so I was able to focus on our newborn during the week before Christmas. I was pretty stress-free and relaxed (despite being sleep-deprived) during that time and, as a result, I promised myself I would do the same thing this year, even though we're not expecting another baby.
How's it going so far? Well, to be honest, I haven't started yet. But I'm beginning to make lists and plan to go shopping this weekend. If you're also hoping to get a jump on your holiday shopping or you're looking for ideas for your own wish lists, check out these gift ideas for runners.
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Find a Turkey Trot
My husband and I are both runners, but we rarely run the same races these days. We have two small children so, when one of us runs a race, the other one is on cheerleading duty with the kids. I'm really excited because this year it's my turn to run our local Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving. (My husband gets to do the Santa Run in December.)
I love starting out Thanksgiving with a race because it helps me feel less guilty when I'm reaching for the stuffing or pecan pie later that day. Turkey trots, which are usually 5K or 5-mile fun runs, are a great way to burn some calories before you start feasting. They're also a fun, healthy Thanksgiving Day activity for the whole family, as some communities even offer "tot trots" for younger kids. Search Active.com's Turkey Trot listings to find one near you.
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Celebrate World Run Day
Runners around the world are getting ready the annual World Run Day tomorrow. More than 1,600 charity runners across the U.S. are already registered to participate in the event, which asks runners to celebrate running and donate to a local charity. Many participants will choose their own course to run for the day, while others will participate in World Run Day group events, held from San Francisco to New York City.
Now in its 11th year, World Run Day has raised money for over 1,000 charities in the United States alone. Runners can decide which charity they want their donations to benefit. It's not too late to participate in World Run Day -- check out the World Run Day site to find out about group events or how to run on your own.
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Don't Forget the Hand Sanitizer
Runners who frequently participate in races have come to expect the standard race T-shirt, mini-energy bars, or pain reliever samples in their race goody bags. But if you're doing a race in the next few months, don't be surprised if you also find a bottle of hand sanitizer in there.
Fearing H1N1, as well as the regular flu and colds, some race organizers are taking precautions to prevent the spread of germs among runners. Participants in Sunday's New York City Marathon received a small bottle of hand sanitizer when they picked up their race packets and were cautioned to not run the race if they had flu symptoms. They were also reminded to be vigilant about washing their hands and getting rest after the marathon, since their immune systems may be compromised for up to three days after.
Even if you don't get a free bottle of hand sanitizer, it's always a good idea to bring your own and use it before and after your race -- especially if you're planning on giving race spectators lots of high-fives along the way.
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