Enjoying The Run

I think anyone that has lifted one foot in the front of the other on a run knows that there are good days and there are bad days.

There are those days that feel like you could run for miles (and those are so, so awesome) and there are those days that feel like you had tree limbs attached to your body and are running through quick sand. 

The only, and I repeat only, good thing about those AWFUL runs is that they make you appreciate your good and even mediocre runs.  And that there is a 99% chance your next run will be great.  Even if its just an okay run, it's better than a mud run any day.

To me, running is a funny thing.  You would think that just going out, using the legs attached your body and hitting the pavement, things would be the same every single time.  Turns out they aren't but I think that's what makes you a runner.  Those hard, awful runs and those awesome, fantastic runs make you a well rounded runner and athlete. 

And as I said on Instagram last week, some runs are out of this world and some are like running through mud. But at least I know my next run after a terrible one is destined to be stellar (puns intended).

Though my running career has been short and I have many miles ahead of me, there are a few things I've learned about making the miles more enjoyable and tolerable.

1. Music - If I am running alone, 99% of the time I have music on.  I need upbeat, fast paced tunes to keep me going.  Currently I've been loving the Rhianna station on Pandora with some Miley thrown in. Most days I like the distraction of the music to keep me going.

2. Or no music - When I started running I thought that it was absolutely insane that people ran without music.  How do you not lose your mind? How does it not make you feel like you've been running for 14 hours?!  But then the more I ran, the easier it became.  If I get separated from my running group on Saturday mornings and don't have my music, it's not that big of a deal.  It's actually a great time to clear my head, think about life, write blog posts, compose my grocery list, etc.  I prefer to run with music or with other people but I'm finally to the stage that if I don't have either of those, it isn't the end of the world.

3. Running buddies - I am so thankful for my running group and I suggest that if you are interested in getting involved in running (you should!) a running group is key.  I love that knowing that at least 2 days a week those people are going to keep my accountable for running.  It is a whole new group of friends that are interested in what I'm interested in and love running as much as I do.  Plus they are fun and love to drink wine soooo I can get on board with that.  But honestly, a running group is a great support system and I swear runners are some of the nicest people in the world.  And it gives you someone to talk to while you run.  Nothing makes miles go by faster than some good ol fashioned girl talk.  

4. Switch it up - Our running group does 'speed work' or track work outs once a week.  And while I usually hate them while I'm doing them, they are great for 1. improving your speed and 2. switching up your routine.  Pounding the pavement a few days a week is great but for any sort of improvement you have to switch up your routine, just like with any fitness regime.  Your body needs change and something unexpected.  For my running, taking laps around around a high school track is just the ticket.  

5. Running gear - This may be totally vain but it works for me.  New running gear and clothes get me very, very excited for my next run.  There are SO many cute, cheap options out there (some of my favorite stuff is from Marshalls or TJ Maxx) and I love treating myself to new gear.  P.s. Target just rolled out some cute new stuff...

Not to mention, the right gear makes all the difference.  There is a reason there is such a big market for running clothes, gear and shoes.  Those pieces really can help or hinder your run.  I have found pieces that work for me and those that don't.  

So no matter the distance or if it's a bad running day or a great one, just get out there and run and I promise the next one will be better!