Running Tips for the Non Runner

I run.

But let's clear something up right now:  I am not a runner.

I run because it's good for me.  I run because it gets me outside.  I run because I like the changes it has made to my body.  I run because it's something just for me.

But at this point, I would never consider myself  a runner.

I have completed some 5Ks, and I'm signed up for quite a few more in the upcoming months.  I certainly understand the desire to run a further distance than that, but for my purposes, I just have no real desire to do so.  I definitely beat myself up a bit after admitting that to myself...it's just part of my personality, the always wanting to be more and do more.  But right now, 3-4 miles is plenty for me.

In order for me to get out there and run, everything needs to be just so.  The clothes need to be right, the music needs to be right, and I'm pretty sure the moon needs to be in the seventh house.  Here's how the non-runner in me makes myself do it.

1.  Get comfortable.

This is THE MOST IMPORTANT POINT.  There is NOTHING WORSE than socks that quit on you...the ones that get eaten up by your shoes and wind up in a big ol' annoying bunch just past your heel.  Do yourself a big big favor and invest in a pair of good running socks.  I learned this the hard way with a cheap set from Old Navy.

Make sure your shorts don't ride up.

Make sure if you have a jacket that zips up that it doesn't rub against your chin and give you a rash.

And if nothing else, find quality earbuds.  The worst run of my life involved socks that quit on me, a zipper that gave me a chin rash, and earbuds that kept popping out of my ears until I gave up and threw them in a random trashcan as I ran by. (Don't tell my husband.  They were a gift.)

2.  Find the right pair of shoes.

This took me a while because of my terribly flat feet.  I went to my amazing local running store and they set up me with a fabulous pair of Mizunos.  Now it feels like I'm running on two puffy clouds.  Or as close to that as I'll ever get.

3.  Find the right music.

Lots of online sites will give you suggestions for music that is perfectly paced to keep you on time.  None of that mattered for me.  To keep me going, I need songs that pump me up and make me want to sing along (even though I can't sing because I can barely breathe).  This is something I needed to try out and play with a little.  Even though I love Rihanna, she annoys me when I run.  (I'm dying here, Ri-Ri, and I don't have time for your cutesy half-naked nonsense!)  Some of my faves are:  Kill Your Heroes by AWOLNATION, My Body by Young the Giant, Lose Yourself by Eminem, and Circus by Britney Spears.

4.  Find your reason.

Why are you out there doing it?  To tone up?  To lose a few pounds?  To get active?  To get away from your kids for a while (perfectly valid reason)?  It doesn't matter what your reason is....but find it.  And make it your mantra.  For me, it was because I was tired of underestimating myself.

5.  Find the right motivation.

Can we stop all this "No Matter How Slow You Go, You're Lapping Everyone on the Couch" nonsense?  Seriously.  If you're taking out the trash, you're lapping someone on the couch. That's excusing mediocrity.   I'm not saying that being the fastest matters; in fact, I run a very slow mile.  But I want to be out there knowing that I'm pushing and working, not just moving. This motivates me more:

And, ok, this one motivates me a little too.  I'm shallow like that.

6.  Find Your Inner Cute

Not gonna lie.  This is the one that most often gets me out the door.  If I like my outfit and feel good in it, I'm more apt to go run.  Hey, whatever gets you putting one foot in front of the other.

Chevrun Running Skirt

source unknown

So, let's hear it!  What gets you moving?