Fartlek, intervals, tempo, cadence, k’s, 1200’s, etc. etc. etc. What the heck do all of these terms mean? If you are the average runner, you may know some of them. If you are new to running, or looking to get started, you may not know any of them. I have some good news for you either way: you don’t need to know them! This post is about motivating the inexperienced or new runner, as well as those that have been running their entire life. The series will outline some basic information to help you get in better shape. It will also offer up bits of running motivation to help you obtain your running goal no matter how big or small it is.
About Me
Before we get too far into the running discussion, let’s talk for a minute about why you might be visiting this awesome blog that my sister started! I have often found myself wondering exactly what to do next in life, and with regards to running, I have found myself in the “in-between” stage a lot. Now, some people may ask “does this feeling relate to running?” In short, running has always been a big part of my life. I found out I was pretty good at it in high school, and then it helped pay my way through college. When you do something competitively for almost ten years and nearly everyday, it becomes second nature to you.
After graduating college, and everyday since, I have asked myself if I want to keep running. Is there more that I would like to achieve in this sport? My answer has almost always been yes. But it is easy to say that. It is much harder to do it. For me, running has been mostly about the competition and the team aspect. I love racing. I love running faster than the guys that line up on the starting line next to me. But perhaps the biggest motivator for me in this sport was knowing that I had a team that counted on me to: one, be in shape when the season starts, and two, show up and do well on race day. Since graduating, that motivator has been absent, and I am stuck asking myself the question we talked about earlier.
In-between (fitness-wise)
So here I am out of shape and slow and well… in-between. But this isn’t a terrible thing! I think this gives me a great perspective and opportunity to relate to you whether you are a new runner or an experienced racer. This is also one of the greatest things about the sport of running. At any given 5k, 10k, or marathon race, there are people racing for the first time and people who have done it their whole lives.
Regardless, everyone is about to do the same thing, on the same course, at the same time. In what other sport can someone who is competing for maybe the first time, do it on the same course and same day as a professional athlete? Don’t get me wrong, I love almost all sports. But when you go see a baseball game, you sit and watch. With running, you get to be out there with the pros! In case you were wondering when the running motivation tips were going to be mentioned, there’s your first one!
Running Motivation
Inspiration and motivation to train or get in shape can come from many different places. Some people are great at motivating themselves while others need a little more help from external sources. If you truly want to make a change in your life and/or your daily routine (i.e. getting in shape), a decision must be made deep within yourself to do so.
This can be tough to do, but it’s worth it! Once you make this decision, you can draw on many different things to keep you motivated. Whether you consider yourself a competitive person or not, I have found that everyone likes to challenge themselves. So, here at the start of your venture into running (or at your next step in training), think about the different ways you can push your body and mind. Start with small goals and adjust them from time to time. And most importantly, have fun!
