Running Keeps Me Motivated

As a runner, I’ve picked up a few tips over the years on how to avoid injuries, stay motivated, and finish races.

From shin splints to Achilles tendinitis, I’m used to falling flat on my face in front of random family barbeques when I don’t wear my ankle bandage to keep me supported. My ankle has a tendency to twist inward from previous injuries aging back from my figure skating days.

Wearing proper support where needed is crucial when I run if I don’t want to face plant on the concrete.

Here are a few other tricks of the trade and random little motivation tips I’ve picked up from running competitively that have helped me:

1.  If you’re new to running, make sure to measure the minutes, not the miles. Don’t worry about how many miles or your pace. It doesn’t matter how many miles you cover while you’re out. Focus on getting in 45 minutes of cardio a day.
2.  Start slow! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to resist the urge to start races off in a full out sprint. No matter how far or how long you plan to go, start out slowly to warm up and gradually raise your heart rate. That will make the workout feel easier sooner. You want to go into the workout with the idea that you’ll finish strong. One of the most common mistakes newer runners make is going out too fast.
3. Don’t forget about strength training. This is definitely something I don’t do enough. Strength training is important because it helps make you a better runner by keeping you toned and preventing injury. If you need a personal trainer, I highly recommend CORE Sports Fitness. It was founded by a sports medicine physician, Dr. Jeff S. Pierce, and he directs the center with a focus on injury prevention and rehabilitation.
4. Remember: “Practice makes perfect.” Running requires patience. And coincidentally, patience has never been one of my redeeming virtues. I’m always patient until I have to wait….. When I want something, I want it NOW. That’s probably a symptom of my only child syndrome, but that’s a different topic for a different day. My issue was the fact that I picked a date not too far from the distant future for a local half marathon event and signed myself up. I signed up without giving myself enough time to train for the race. Poor decision making on my part, because I pushed myself too hard and ended up injuring myself during the race.

So my advice to you: No matter what your goal is, set realistic expectations! Pace yourself, and be patient.

5. Push your limits once in a while! I constantly hunger for a challenge and enjoy mixing my typical distance runs up a bit. Venturing to obnoxiously mountainous courses that go through the woods is my favorite way to work out. I love running up hill, jetting around sharp twists and turns, and sprinting as fast as I can through grassy fields. My favorite place run on the weekends is at The Nichols Arboretum, located in Ann Arbor. This is my sacred place where I boost my confidence and momentum.

     Is there a particular place you run to regain motivation and self esteem? Please share it in the comments below.