Ever since my freshman year of high school, after courageously joining the cross country team, running has been in my life. Sadly, throughout my four years of high school, my love of the sport dwindled down to just a spark. However, when freshman year of college came around, the spark ignited and I fell in love with running all over again.
But it wasn't a swept of my feet kind of romance, it was slow and unexpected. In college, stress is inevitable. There are due dates, lectures, and exams. I quickly learned that bottling up the stress is a no-go. So I decided to turn my casual runs into a daily occurrence to let out the stress. And the love hit me like a ton of bricks. I am no professional runner, but with my prior running history and through my experience this year, I pulled together a couple of tips to help you 'crush on' or better yet, fall in love with running.
1. Prepare Yourself
A good run starts with a slight preparation. It's beyond important to prepare your body for a run. First, if you plan out your runs, make sure you hydrate the night before. 'The night before' is key. You don't want to down a whole water bottle right before you go running. It will only slow you down and make your stomach feel gross, and that's the last thing you want to feel on a run. Second, eat a light snack 30 minutes prior to your run. Key word is 'light'. Whatever you do, don't eat a rich full course meal right before you run. It's a recipe for disaster with a full side dish of cramps.
2. Pick your favorite location.
It's important to pick a good location to run. Not only is this a good tip for safety reasons but it also makes your run that much more enjoyable. One of my favorite places to run is East Lansing. I love how in the summer and in the beginning of the school year the whole campus is bursting with color. I love how in the fall, the trees are painted with reds, yellows and browns. Find a place where you like to run. Whether it's a favorite trail, a favorite treadmill in the gym or even your neighborhood, if you like the place your running, you'll find yourself looking forward to your run.
3. Set a goal.
For the newer runners, it's very rare to go out and run 6 miles at a 7:30 pace right off the bat. If someone does that on their first try, if I ever run into you, I will shake your hand because that's absolutely amazing. When I first started out running, I would get so frustrated at myself because I wanted to see results in my endurance so quickly that I was putting strain on my body. Setting a goal not only takes the frustration away but it feels 10x better when you reach it. It doesn't matter how long it takes for you to get to your goal, set it as high as you want, heck set multiple, keep the determination and without a doubt you will get there.
4. Make a GOOD running playlist
Music, in general, can amplify everything you do. Cleaning isn't a chore when your dancing along to "Push it" by Salt n Pepa. Driving long distances isn't as boring if your belting "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift. Same goes for running. For me, music makes or breaks my runs. I am constantly updating my playlist to new music that has a good, fast-paced beat. If you have a faster beat, you'll find yourself initially running faster. If you have a slower beat, you'll find yourself initially running slower. So depending on how you feel for the day, or the type of run you're trying to accomplish, pick the right music and you'll find it's the perfect partner in crime to help increase the results of your run.
5. Invest in a quality pair of running shoes
Once upon a time, little sophomore Sophie decided to take brand new cross country shoes to her high school's cross country camp. Over packing, as usual, she decided to ditch her old running shoes, and just bring the new ones. Little did she know, that those brand new shoes, were the complete wrong fit for her. This story sadly does NOT have a happen ending, and still to this day has scars on her feet from those terrible blisters she received many years ago. So moral of the story, even though running shoes can get pricey, invest. I've been using the same brand, and the same style of shoe for many years now. I just keep replacing them when their too worn out. And I know that I may receive a couple of 'new shoe' blisters at the beginning, but that's normal. But I can say with full confidence that I know my shoes will help me rock the socks off my run.
6. Invest in some 'feel good' clothes.
I always heard people say that when you dress cute to the gym, you'll have a better work out and at first I was unbelievably skeptical about it. But I realized that it's pretty true. Now I'm not saying for you to roll up to the gym looking like a professional trainer, but I always find that my runs are a little more satisfying when I show off my new workout shirt. So if your losing motivation, take a trip to the nearest clothing store and pick yourself out a cute, new top. You'll find that the motivation will come running back to you faster than you can actually run.
7. Find a running buddy... or don't!
Everyone's reasons for running are different. Some people go on runs because they're angry and need to let out some steam. Some people purely run to stay fit. And some people run for the social aspect. Sometimes it's easier to fall in love with running when you have a buddy to do it with. If you have someone that you match pace with well and you love talking to, then create a schedule of some sort and start running with them! And let's be honest, who doesn't love a good running gossip sesh? On the other hand, if you don't like running with people, that's okay, too! Sometimes it good to be alone with your thoughts! I get some of my best writing ideas while running, so embrace it!
8. Start your run with a self satisfying pace.
Unless you are doing some sort of intense sprinting workout, there's no one stopping you from starting with an easy pace. One of my favorite ways to start a long distance run is to start with an slower, carefree pace. For me, it's easier to warm up my legs for the first five minutes when I am going just a tad slower to begin with. Then, after those five minutes, I either decide to keep the pace I have or speed it up a bit. It's not a competition, so find the pace that best fits you.
9. Don't compare yourself to other runners.
Every runner is at a different level. Some runners run faster than others, some can run fast, but run less miles. To make your run better, you have to accept the fact that everyone runs differently. When you see someone sprinting down the street, don't get discouraged because their going faster than you. Who knows, maybe they're only sprinting a mile or two. And don't get on your high horse when you pass a runner going at a slower pace than you. Who knows, maybe their on mile 8 while you're only on mile 2. Needless to say, just worry about yourself and you'll find your run just that much more peaceful.
10. Your attitude matters!
Learning to love running is hard. There is going to be days where running one mile can seem like the devil. There're going to be days that you go out and run three and feel absolutely amazing. Even after a bad run, keep a good attitude in mind. Consistently keeping a good attitude will not only help improve your runs, but is a good habit to form in general. So when the going gets tough, slap a smile on your face and fake it til' you make it.
