I think this is often the case for a lot of runners. Sometimes building up the drive to get out of the door and hit the pavement takes more effort than the actual run itself. I have some tips that I, myself, use to give me the kick I need to leave my house. If you're like me and have taken a break from running for a while and are looking to get back into it or if you're training for an event or even if you're looking for something to give you that extra inspiriation this post will help you!
1) Push through the first 10 minutes. It will get easier. The first 10 minutes are definitely the hardest. After this time your lungs open up, you get into the stride and pace of your run and your body adjusts to its new temperature.
2) Find a terrain that suits you. I much prefer running on grass to concrete as its spongier. I find it much softer and easier on my knees to run on grass yet some people prefer the rigidity of concrete as you know what to expext (as opposed to different terrain on grass). It's unbelievable the difference the terrain makes for me. I can run a 5k on grass with ease yet I find a 5k on pavement torture.
3) If you need to stop then stop! If about to die, stop running and walk! No one will mind! You're not giving up by walking - you're still moving. It's a much better idea to finish in a little more time than collapse in a heap because you've burnt out. You're not exercising to punish your body so don't kill yourself by pushing yourself harder than you need to. Going alongside this is don't go faster than you need to. By all means push yourself but don't run so fast that you're totally out of breath and blue in the face. It's been said that the best pace is the one that allows you to be able to talk to a friend without getting out of breath whilst running.
4) Warm up and Cool down! This is so freaking important. If you don't walk for 5 minutes before and stretch and walk for 5 minutes afterwards you're risking pulling a muscle, aches, pains and tension on all of your joints. (I don't know if it's linked but I can honestly say in all the time I've warmed up I've never had issues with shin splints either) You're much less likely to have a bad back etc the next morning if you take the time to look after your body onec you've finished a run. If you have a foam roaller it's a great idea to use it post run. Tone It Up have a great routine,
5) Know what to expect. Treadmill running is a hell of a lot different to actual running. Prepare yourself. Know the difference. Your body will thank you for it. I think that hitting the tred is a lot easier than hitting the street. The 'terrain' (for lack of a better word) is softer, the speed and incline is constant and what you set it at and you're actually not going anywhere (covering a physical distance). All of which makes treadmill running easier. If you can run for hours on the treadmill, don't neccasarily expect to be able to do the same outside of the gym.
6) Lastly - enjoy it! Running is a great time for personal reflection or to catch up with a friend or to give yourself a real sense of achievement. Today I broke my 5k best time, by over 3 minutes. I was ecstatic. Run for purpose - something that will really satisfy you such as training for a race to raise money for your favourite charity. Exercise shouldn't be a chore. Have fun!
I leave you with this,
Share, Love, Inspire, Sweat
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