From inspiration and motivation to doubts, sweat, pain and glory practically every inexperienced runner has encountered both the struggles and rewards of running. Whether you are a beginner runner or have just decided to get in shape, then you have definitely had these thoughts while running.
Wake up and Instagram.
You wake up in the morning and check your phone. After responding to a few texts, you find yourself scrolling through Instagram. You follow a ton of food accounts and pictures of decadent desserts fill your screen. You continue to scroll and come across super fit people that workout 24/7 with incredible abs and sigh. What’s stopping you from being fit? You could do that.
Motivation.
Suddenly you feel super motivated to get off your butt and exercise. You jump out of bed, throw on a T-shirt, athletic pants and sneakers, tie your hair up and grab your headphones. You’ll start your fit journey with a run.
Preparation.
“Hm. Should I eat first? No, I’ll eat after. It’ll be my reward. But maybe I should drink some water, gotta stay hydrated!” You gulp down a glass and begin to stretch. “Wow, I am not flexible. Why does this hurt so bad? Maybe I should do yoga or like, palates or something. What even is palates?” You check the time and decide you’ll go for a 20 minute run -- that’s long, right? You put in your headphones, open Spotify and go to your favorite song.
Running (the first 10 minutes).
You begin running and start out strong. “Wow, it’s such a beautiful day! Why don’t I do this more? This isn’t bad, I feel great!” You run around the block. Your music is upbeat and you’re killing it.
The 11th minute.
“OK, It’s hot!” You’re sweating in the summer heat and somehow your sweat finds it’s way into your eye. “OK, ouch.” Now your body is feeling it. You’re super out of shape. “Oh my God I can’t breathe. I should walk. No, don’t quit. You can do this!” You slow down to a jog and spot your neighbor up ahead. “Great.” You wait till your about 20 feet from them and pick up your pace until you’re another 20 feet away. Can’t let them know you’re dying.
15 minutes!
The slowest, most un-motivating song comes on. “Ugh, no.” You struggle to change the song while you run and check the time. “Only five more minutes! Thank God!” You turn around and run back home. You’re so close! You push yourself and pick up the speed.
The final minute.
Now you can see your house. You’re wet from sweat and breathing hard. You reach your porch and practically collapse. You lie there without moving for a solid three minutes. Then you open Snapchat and attempt to take a few sweaty but cute pics to send to your friends, proving that you actual ran. Picture or it didn’t happen, amirite?
Satisfaction.
You did it. You nailed your run and you feel amazing. You go to the bathroom to rinse some of the sweat off your face. You look in the mirror, already feeling more fit and maybe even thinner? Maybe you should make your own fit Instagram account?
