I wish I looked like this when I ran....
But instead I usually look like this....
As you know, John and I have been "training" for a 5k. I feel like, lately, I've gotten into a rut. I know that if I work at it I will enjoy it, because I have before! Three years ago I took three months to train for a 10k and I felt amazing. There's nothing like being able to run for 20 minutes straight without breaking a sweat, and even though I miss that feeling it's not enough to get my butt out the door.
For some reason I can't find my motivating factor. I've tried...
"Running to stay fit." - Even though my body has definitely seen better days I seem to be content with it's smushy state.
"Running so I can have a rockin' bod." - Even though my body has definitely seen better days I seem to be content with it's smushy state.
"Running so I can eat whatever I want." - I'll eat whatever I want running or no running.
"Running so I'll have more energy." - Yeah, but I don't have the energy to start running!
"Running because it is fun." - Lies.
"Running because people who run are really cool." - Don't worry, I already have that covered. ; )
"Running because you're fleeing from law enforcement." - I've definitely considered committing crimes in an effort to jump start my training.
See? I'm at a loss here! I have exactly 5 weeks left to prepare for my 5k and I'm way behind! I'm trying my hardest to have the fact that I have to run 3.1 miles in 5 weeks be my motivating factor, but there's only one problem there...I'm the master procrastinator. I never worked on a homework assignment early...always the night before. I thrive on pressure! The only problem is, I know that it is impossible to train for a 5k the night before. Oh Lord, do I need help!
Question(s) of the Day:
How do you stay motivated to run/work out?
Any tips for training for a race?
What keeps your workouts fresh and fun?
I have no suggestions for you....I hate to run too! The only time I've not minded it is when playing basketball because then it seems to serve a purpose. To run for the sake of running just seems like torture to me! I haven't tried running from law enforcement, but that might just to the trick for some motivation!
ReplyDeleteKeep at it Hannah!
Um, I pretty much use all of your excuses above. When I did run, though, I would make little deals with myself like, "If I run through the next two songs on my ipod, then I can walk for one minute" I think I always have to have some sort of "end" in sight otherwise it just seems to agonizingly long!
ReplyDeleteHannah - I absolutely empathize with you! It can be SO hard to get motivated to run ... I loved your list-- I laughed out loud about running from law enforcement.... you must be working for a PR to resort to measures like that ;) Hehe.
ReplyDeleteThe two things that have worked for me are to run with friends, and to allow myself to take walk breaks when it's hard (I know multiple people who have gotten their best times during races when they took walking breaks!)
Also, in my experience, the hardest part of running is making it out the door... so whatever little tricks you can use to get you that far will serve you well :)
PS: You are awesome & you are going to rock this 5k... I just know it! Gooooo Hannah!
ReplyDeleteYou are too funny, I think I would of had the same responses you did to those quotes. I ran a half marathon a few years back and quite honestly, did not train like I should have. Yes, I was running and doing different types of methods, like run for 10 minutes, jog, blah blah. SO, perhaps I 40% trained, but not nearly enough. You are going the better route by starting out with a 5k and I'm sure you'll do great!! Perhaps you need a rocking run playlist! That always helps me. :)
ReplyDeleteI used to use running as a form of procrastination! I used to run so I could study later but now I am on my holidays I can't find the motivation!! Good luck though, I have my next 5k in September and am only running like once a week :S
ReplyDelete<3
Run for a dream!
ReplyDeleteApurva
http://ajstates.blogspot.com
Oh I am so the same way. I enjoy it, Im just lazy. The beet way I can get through it is by just doing it. Making myself, because I'll be happy I did it after.
ReplyDeletehey hannah! good that your training again.... honestly, i dont like running but my fitness trainer obliged me go on treadmill... mmmm im stuck to 6 mph and 7% gradient for at least 45 mins... gee, more or less 400 calories. wheew!hope i can improve more :) at least i'm trying.
ReplyDeletei have zero suggestions, im terrible at running, i just have no endurance and i tire too quickly. im all about the walking, but thats awesome that your training! i should be that motivated...
ReplyDeletehaha i love those photos! i run because it motivates me each morning, i run because i love having the sun rise when i run and i get to view the pretty colors, i run because i have a dog that enjoys running with me, i run because i want to stay fit and healthy and now that i am married i don't want to let myself go and i want my husband to be attracted to me.
ReplyDeletedon't run just because you want to eat everything it is all about moderation remember :-) run because it makes you happy run because you will find enjoyment, run because you want to stay fit and be healthy for many years, run because it helps you relive stress in a great find!
ahahahhahah!!! So fun!!!
ReplyDeleteI love running, i do it only cause it makes me happy!
Usually i run in a beautiful park with my fav music in ipod, and finally i can spend all my energy, i find it so fun!
xoxo
S
http://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.com
Oh Hannah, I don't think you want to look like that while running. I'm just not sure that a beard would suit you. ;)
ReplyDeleteI can't help you on this one; I have zero interest in running (except maybe in the last situation that you suggested...) Ever see the episode of Friends with Phoebe running? Yea, that's how I look while doing the activity!
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ReplyDeleteHannah this is exactly what I've been thinking about lately! I've been trying to run and I have to keep asking myself what my motivation is. When I figure it out I'll let you know :)
ReplyDeleteHannah this is the perfect post. Because it's true, half the time getting out the door to run is the hardest part.... Anyways, I keep finding that my love of running (and training for a race) isn't enough. Why do I run? I run for me. Do it for you. Hard part about that? It's not motivating....enough. So until I find something that says "HEY YOU! RUN BECAUSE (fill in the blank)" I'll just keep running for me. Sorry, this totally didn't help ya....
ReplyDeleteI don't really enjoy running.... I prefer boot camp/pilates/kickboxing/yoga butttt if I have to run I make a really good playlist. Good music makes time go by faster and helps me keep my pace.
ReplyDeleteGood luck :)
~Tammy
www.bayparkdream.blogspot.com
BAHAHA! the doggy photo has me *cracking up*. mainly because thats exactly what i imagine myself looking like as well. as for motivation, well, i'm not a runner. i think running = the greatest living hell. so instead i workout with excercises i actually enjoy--then i really look forward to going to the gym.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could answer you! My only motivation is watching ultrarunning videos. But it's so damn hard to stay motivated! Not to mention, there's hardly any good places to go running around here.
ReplyDeleteI'm all about having great music when running, but this post is timely since I'm actually sitting here in my running outfit, procrastinating going for a run! Terrible!
ReplyDeleteUGH! I just can't run. & I think I've tried all of your same motivators.
ReplyDeleteBut lets just be honest...I can't do it because my boobs are too darn big. & it hurts. & it really stinks.
Oh well. Guess I'll keep on walkin'. ;)
I know the same feeling! What helps me is thinking of the amazing feeling you get from crossing the finish line. Of course the mimosas that follow afterwards help too :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sitting here having a good giggle! I love your responses, classic. I have no tips for you unfortunately :( But you've have some really great responses here!
ReplyDeleteHahahahahahaha...so funny! I know I'd look like the second pic if I even tried to run. I can't help you with any suggestions - maybe move to London and you'd sooner or later have to run in order not to get mugged? xo
ReplyDeletehaha I love that dog picture! I'm not a runner, but have you ever listened to the Run Lola Run soundtrack? Great workout music!
ReplyDeletethis post cracks me up! i run almost every day (if not i'm at the gym) and all of your reasons to run are the same as mine and equally unmotivating! what helps me is the fact that i have a dog that depends on me for exercise. also, sometimes i download new music and that can be fun. but the thing that helps the most is having someone to run with. i will let myself down but i won't let my friends down! good luck with your 5K! you can totally do it!
ReplyDeletePS you asked about my backpack...it's by REI and it's a "Flash 50". Hope that helps!
i think of 1 - my favorite little dress i still want to fit into and 2 - the fact that once it's over i always feel good about what i did. when i push myself to go running i know that when it's over i'll be like "yes, that was the right decision". remembering that feeling makes me go again, even when i don't feel like it.
ReplyDeleteha! i can totally relate to those pictures! and I'm staying motivated because I had a "moment" where I got fed up and decided to change. been at "weight loss" for about 10 weeks now & I'm just as determined as I was at the beginning. good luck!
ReplyDeleteI HAAAATE running (unless it's to catch the bus), so I don't have many words of wisdom on this topic. But that dog is too funny!
ReplyDeleteworkout? ...what's that? this is why i have pugs. so i can keep up with their pace.
ReplyDeletehahaha! Thanks for the laugh! It is hard for me to stay motivated, but I def would say my top motivational factors are the 1) way it makes me feel and 2) way it makes me look. May be vain, but hey, if it keeps me going...
ReplyDeleteThere's definitely a tipping point - once you reach it, the runs will become easier and easier. I made it there, but have regressed a bit... And have a half marathon to run on Sept 11! Eeek!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Just found your blog - very cute!
At this point in time, it's purely vanity. Isn't that horrible? I'd much rather do another form of exercise. I do want to run a 10K and half marathon at some point. I guess I need to change my outlook then, huh? :)
ReplyDelete