Running motivation for the sleepy

I once thought about completing a triathlon. As it turns out, I’m more of a sinker than a swimmer. However, I still admire the sport, and I’ve always enjoyed the casual benefits of cross training. Today, rather than running, I’ll be bicycling like I’m the long lost sister of Lance Armstrong.

Or something like that.

About.com has a good list of cross training options here: http://running.about.com/od/running101/a/xtrng101_3.htm

I’ve bookmarked the page and would like to try them all at some point. I’ve never been skiing or rowing, but it sounds incredibly fun.

As I see it, the cross training benefits for a runner are many:

It breaks up the monotony, allows you to work new muscles, and ultimately–in my opinion–it makes you a faster runner. I remember the days of High School cross country when our coach made us do “core-workouts,” which essentially meant “okay, now lie down on the floor and do crunches while I sit here, but don’t worry–I’ll tell you when to stop.” While I hated it at the time, I do see the benefits. Having a stronger core means better posture as a runner. Plus, you look good (or at least better) in a swimsuit, right?

In other news, I feel myself getting back into shape, and I can tell this blog is going to be a major motivational factor. I love running, and I love writing. Put the two together and–bam!–I’m happy as can be.

One of the things I love most about running (and life!) is the view. It’s so easy to focus on my breath, my posture, the pain–that I fail to look around.

Yes, it ruins my posture. Yes, it slows me down. But it’s often worth it.

Running Tip of the Day: Look Up!

(Unless, as I explained yesterday, you’re running through a virtual car wash. In that case, come home and complain about it on your blog. )

This morning, I felt like I was running through an automatic car wash.

I sometimes enjoy running in the rain.

This morning was not one of those times.

1. It Builds Stamina

Running in the morning is tough. Your body is tired, and your mind–well, yeah, it’s tired too. But running in the morning regularly also means you’ll be better prepared for those evening runs, or a morning race.

At the very least, running in the morning makes me feel stronger. And that counts too, doesn’t it?

2. It’s Out of the Way

Run first thing in the morning and you don’t have to battle the “Well, I was going to do it but then I ate that large pizza and then I was just so busy.”

I can’t count the times I told myself I was going to work out and then didn’t because I just “didn’t get around to it.”

3. Schedule

Running in the morning fits into my schedule. I can wake up as early (or as late!) as the day permits. You can’t beat that!

4. Energy for the Rest of the Day

When I run first thing, I don’t feel the need to drink 10 cups of coffee to stay awake. I feel stronger throughout the day. My concentration is spot on. It works for me.

5. You Can Pig Out On Breakfast?

Okay, so maybe this is just what I tell myself after the third pancake.

Is anyone else with me? Or am I the only crazy morning runner?

It’s true. I’m not a fast runner, and I’ve never been much of a distance runner. Even at the height of my running, I was quite slow. Dedicated. But slow.

Does this mean–gulp–I’m really not much of a runner?

My answer to that question is a resounding NO. I was once much faster than I am now, and I believe I will slowly pick up speed. My tentative goal is to run a half-marathon and–while I am far from ready to do so now–I believe it can and will happen.

That is, with a bit of preparation.

However, I will never be the fastest

And I’m okay with that.

Too often the impression is given that the primary goal of running is to race, to compete with others. While I do enjoy this aspect of running, I much prefer competing with myself.

I may never beat the fastest man or woman in the world. But I can always push myself to run harder, faster, and farther.

But Why Run if You Can’t Win?

I’ll spare you the philosophical “because it’s there” argument and just say because I like it. I like pushing my mind and body to the extreme. I like being in shape. I like the sweat and tears.

And the blood, of course. Don’t forget about the blood!

Moral of the Running Story

It doesn’t matter how fast or how far you go, as long as you work hard, making a point to consistently push yourself. This applies to running, but I believe it applies to many other aspects of life as well.

*For the record, the 2nd lap was not much easier.

The problem with this morning’s run was not that I didn’t want to do it. Oh no. Quite the opposite to tell the truth. The problem was…

My Running Expectations Were Too High

I woke up this morning sure I was going to run a marathon. Never mind that I hadn’t been running in several months. Forget that I’d never ran more than, oh, say, six miles. Forget that I’ve never been the fastest, most agile runner. Forget it.

It was a new morning. I was a new runner. I mean, c’mon, I have a website now. That’s dedication.

And then I ran.

And ran. And jogged. And then I collapsed on the ground like that poor narcoleptic YouTube dog. It was a sad sight, my friends. A sad sight.

But it doesn’t matter. The point is that I did it, right? I wish I could tell you how far I went, how fast (or slow) I was going, but I don’t know.

I didn’t keep track. Which is probably a good thing for, you know, my self-esteem. But the point is not this.

The point is that the 1st lap may be tough.

But the second can only get easier, right?