Set Running Goals

Before getting to the gym today I decided I would do a 2 mile run. When i got half a mile done I was telling myself I might need to change my plan but it was for no obvious reason. I wasn’t in pain or exhausted. Instead of listening to myself I realized something important. I had set a goal before I went to the gym and unless I’m in pain, sick, or unable to for any other reason; there is no reason why I should cut it short.

For those that use boredom as an excuse, don’t! You have a goal, you are supposed to be striving to reach it and succeed. During your long runs, there are many ways to beat boredom, but one of my favorite is to have a conversation with yourself. Often running on the treadmill, we stare at the screen and try to figure out how much longer we have. Instead of doing that, think about things that are going on in your life, your favorite movie and how excited you are about it coming out, or even look up good quotes and debate with yourself about how the quote applies to your life or does not apply.

Some people enjoy listening to their iPad while running, other people prefer the silence so they can hear their feet pounding on the asphalt or even treadmill. It’s also nice to have someone running with you so they can help you keep your mind off the run and rather just talk about things. This is one reason why running clubs exist, so they can keep up the motivation of running for each other.

Sure, at first; running is hard. It’s a difficult hobby to pick up but once you’re doing it for a long time; it becomes a second nature. I often find myself running to the car or going in small spurts on my walks. This is one reason why i don’t like running on the treadmill. I enjoy being able to change my pace and run however fast I want whenever I want. That’s why interval training is such a favorite among runners. It keeps your mind off the fact that you have to run six miles today.

In case you’re wondering, I did my 2 miles as required and am sitting outside enjoying the chilly weather as I write this. Do not give up on your daily run because you’re bored or because you just don’t want to do it. Live, Love, and Conquer!

What Time Should You Run

For me, getting up at 4 AM would be torture and there’s no way my energy level would be up to par to run the distance that is necessary. There is this woman that was in one of the runner’s magazine that runs at 4 30 in the morning because she needs to be home to make breakfast for her 12 children. She makes time to run because she’s training for a marathon. So, for those that say you have no time to run, you just don’t make time.

Either go to bed early and get up super early so you can run before work or go to bed late so you can run after work and after the children go to sleep. It’s a matter of preference. Also, like Chalene Johnson would tell you, figure out which time of the day you have the most energy and are able to contribute the most to your work out.

The reason why you want to have a higher level of energy during your runs is because you want to be able to give it your all. The more you give to your work out, the more calories you burn. It’s a win-win! So, focus on figuring out when you have the most energy and time to do your run.

Not only should you think of the time of the day, you should also figure out which day of the week you will most need your rest day and set it up that way. Remember, if you need to take more rest days than what your schedule says, don’t worry too much about it! Just do what you need to do and get going. No need to burn yourself out trying to run too much.