Motovation

[Walk]

I'm wondering how others get motivated for days that they don't want to run? Also, how far do you normally run per day? And do you run with someone else? If so, how did you find someone to run with? And has it increased your motovation or enjoyment of running, or do you find it holds you back more then helps?

 

I ran a 5k last year, but didn't do all that great. (I'd fractured 3 vertebrae the year before so didn't feel to bad about it.) But I'd like to increase my running time this year. I'm having a heck of a hard time keeping my motovation up though. Mostly because everyone I interact with is a couch potato, and sneers when I mention "excersize".

 

Also, I get horrid side cramps when I run, and haven't been able to get them to stop. I've been told to drink more water, but it didn't seem to help. I stretch a lot. Do yoga. They get so bad that no matter if I walk for 10 minutes the second I start to run again they double me over. Any one have any ideas on this? It's nearly ever time I go... not just occasionally.

[kitten chick]

I'm wondering how others get motivated for days that they don't want to run? Also, how far do you normally run per day? And do you run with someone else? If so, how did you find someone to run with? And has it increased your motovation or enjoyment of running, or do you find it holds you back more then helps?

I generally run indoors so I run alone but I do have a gym buddy for classes. When I do run outdoors I usually run with a friend. It definitely helps. It leaves less room for excuses (even though she's the one usually making them). You can't say, oh it's the 3rd day after the last full moon so I can't go, someone else is relying on you to be there. Most people in my city exercise like mad so every single one of my friends does and it wasn't hard for me to find people to run with.

 

I ran a 5k last year, but didn't do all that great. (I'd fractured 3 vertebrae the year before so didn't feel to bad about it.) But I'd like to increase my running time this year. I'm having a heck of a hard time keeping my motovation up though. Mostly because everyone I interact with is a couch potato, and sneers when I mention "excersize".

I have a couple of thoughts that I run through to get motivated. One is the sight of me in a bathing suit. The other is being able to do the activities that I want to do. I have a bit of an attitude problem, shocker I know, so my thoughts are that nobody is going to tell me that I can't hike whatever trail or mountain (or some other activity) just because of my asthma. Screw them, I'm going to prove them wrong.

 

Also, I get horrid side cramps when I run, and haven't been able to get them to stop. I've been told to drink more water, but it didn't seem to help. I stretch a lot. Do yoga. They get so bad that no matter if I walk for 10 minutes the second I start to run again they double me over. Any one have any ideas on this? It's nearly ever time I go... not just occasionally.

I get these too and I haven't quite figured it out. They used to be really bad when I was a diet soda addict. Now I don't drink any carbonated beverages so it's helped but I still get them. I was also told not to eat any solid foods for at least two hours before I run and Runners World said the same thing. Running is the only exercise where I get the cramps. I don't know but if you ever find the solution, let me know.

[MattB]

good stuff.

 

I find that having a set plan helps keep me motivated. It takes away that urge to put off the run until tomorrow. Runners world has a few good ones. Another thing that motivates me is races. Even if you just go to run it and not to race, it helps to get you enthused about running again. Also picking a goal race a few months away and sending in your entry is great motivation. I just sent in my entry for my marathon in June, and knowning that I'm locked into going is quite a motivating factor. Having friends that run does help quite a bit too. If you don't have any friends that run, you can try to motivate them to starte with you (how I started) or you could try and find a local running club.

 

as for cramps, I had this problem too. For me it was lack of core strenght and introducing yoga and pilates helped. Since you already do yoga, it might be something else, but you might think of dropping the intensity for a week or two and adding in some core specific workouts.

 

You mention you stay hydrated. Are you well hydrated in general or are you well hydrated during the run? A rule of thumb is that the moment you start running, you are as hydrated as you will ever be during the run. If you start dehydrated, no amount of water you drink will help. So just make sure you are drinking enough throughout the day and are also getting enough electrolytes. Bananas are your friend.

 

Food is one of those touchy things that you need to experiment with to get right. If you eat within 2 hours of running, you will likley cramp up, unless you eat less then 5 min before starting. You can eat just before and during a run and not cramp because your body is already in exercise mode before starting to digest and takes into account the needed blood flow. How much and what kind of foods you can eat depends on you. Not eating as well as eating too much can both cause cramps as can eating the wrong foods. So you have to experiment. I usually eat a shot or two of energy gel right before I work out and wash it down with about a cup of water. That combo gives me sustained energy for up to around 10 miles. Longer runs I'll eat a little bit more. For extended activity (longer then 90 min) you're supposed to eat 200 cal every hour, starting just before you start.

[Pink_Tulip]

My motivation comes from chronic depression- I have found that if I do cardio at least 3x a week, minimum 30 minutes each time I don't need to be on any antidepressent. If I go even two weeks w/o exercising, I get depressed again. I hate the meds, so it is a great motivator for me. And when I really need a kick in the pants I try on my bikini. Always works.

 

I have always preferred to run alone. I have tried to have work out buddies, but it never seems to work for me. When I am running, I have my music on and I am in my own world. I really have a lot of good conversations with myself, lol. When I have ran with friends, I find it too much of a distraction.

 

As for cramps, you must drink lots of water ALL day. You are getting them b/c you are dehydrated. You can't just grab some water when you start your work out, that is too late. You need to be drinking a lot during the day, then slow down about an hour before your run. This should help.

 

As for distance, I don't know, I run for time. I do 30 minute blocks, unless training for a fun run, then I bump up to 45. That would be between 4-6 miles, depending on how fast I am running that night.

 

If your goal is to get into great running shape, do windsprints within your jog. For example, jog at normal pace for 5 mintues, sprint for 1 minute, jog 5, etc. It is torture, but will whip you into shape super fast.

 

Make sure you have really good running shoes and change them at least every 500 miles. There are some great running magazines that have a run down of the different brands and which work best for different types of feet, I would recommend looking into it, especially if you have an old back injury.

 

I would also suggest you do a strength program with weights on alternate days, if you are not already doing so.

[Candied-Heart]

I'm wondering how others get motivated for days that they don't want to run?

I think of how I want to feel and look. I tell myself I'll feel relieved I did it after it's all over. I find that the longer you deliberate and Umm and Aah over it you will end up not running. I've had bad days where I've gotten fully dressed to go jogging and ended up in front of the TV watching some dumb talk show and a cup of tea. It's ok to have bad days but be able to realise when you need to get out there. Do it in the morning if possible. get it out of the way, you'll also benefit from this because it will kickstart your day.

 

how far do you normally run per day? And do you run with someone else?

I run as far as I can for anywhere from 30mins to an hour. Time permits with my workouts because I have an already strenuous, active day within my job. I run alone. I hate having a 'buddy', though it can be good for beginners.

[kitten chick]

Back to the runners. The past week or two when I've been running I have been getting a sharp pain in my right shoulder/neck. It feels almost like a pinched nerve but duller and more painful. I've never come across this before. Have any of you guys had this problem?

[Pink_Tulip]

I have gotten something similar to this when I wear a sports bra that is too tight on my shoulders, so it kinda digs into the muscle on my back/shoulder/neck area and gives me kind of what feels like a mild charlie horse there.

[kitten chick]

Hmm, thanks Pink Tulip. That's definitely possible because I have to wear 2 sports bras when I run. I don't know if there's anything I can do about it. I just got back from a run and didn't have it this time. It's really strange.

[Pink_Tulip]

Kitten- if it helps any, I have noticed it really bothers me more when I wear the types of sports bras that meet at the back so the strap thing is closer to my neck, if that makes sense. The tank top style don't do it as much since the straps goes straight over my shoulders. Its when there is pressure on that muscle/tendon that goes from my shoulder up the back of my neck and head that I get that pain. And it has been bad enough to give me a pretty serious headache. But the good thing is, its easily fixable.

 

I am pretty small chested so I only need one sports bra. But if you are larger, that is gonna put a strain, and if you are wearing two, and if they are that type that comes up closer to your neck, I'd bet that is whats causing the pain.