Ever find a song that gets you moving so much that you just keep repeating it over and over again on your iPod? Or is that just me? Lately I've been listening to Adele's "Set Fire to the Rain" while I'm on the treadmill. Her voice is so powerful and really keeps me motivated to keep going. If your running motivation could use a little boost, finding some new running tunes may help. Check out other runners' favorite running songs and get fellow runners pumped up for their runs by adding a few of your own. Let us know which ones you could listen to over and over again! More: Share Your Favorite Running Songs originally appeared on About.com Running & Jogging on Tuesday, February 7th, 2012 at 10:48:05. Permalink | Comment | Email this
Marketing experts at running shoe companies are great at coming up with short, memorable lines about running. You don't even have to be an athlete to be familiar with Nike's "Just Do It" slogan. But Nike and other companies have come up with plenty of other motivational quotes to get you inspired to keep running. Here are a few of my favorites: "Running releases more than just sweat."
- Asics "A run begins the moment you forget you are running."
- Adidas "Happiness is pushing your limits and watching them back down."
-New Balance "The only one who can tell you 'you can't' is you. And you don't have to listen."
-Nike Read more running quotes from running shoe companies. More Running Quotes: Running Quotes from Running Shoe Companies originally appeared on About.com Running & Jogging on Tuesday, February 7th, 2012 at 09:21:19. Permalink | Comment | Email this
When I'm planning out my weekly workouts, I always try to make sure I get a run or workout in on Monday. Why Mondays? Starting out the week with a run sets the tone and pattern for the rest of the week. You're beginning the week the way you want the rest of it to go. Running on Monday also helps if you know you want to get in a certain number of runs during the week. It means that you're starting the week with one already under your belt and some miles in the bank. Feeling that sense of accomplishment so early in the week gives you a boost of motivation and confidence that you can take through the week. Also, social events are less likely to pop up on a Monday evening, so your evening running plans are unlikely to get derailed by a last-minute invitation to dinner. You can make it to the gym without feeling like you're missing out on something. And, let's face it, Mondays can be stressful! Running is a great stress reliever and a good way to help you deal with the challenges of a new week. More: Motivation Tip: Run on Monday originally appeared on About.com Running & Jogging on Monday, February 6th, 2012 at 12:53:12. Permalink | Comment | Email this
Feeling a little guilty about overindulging yesterday during the big game? Try one of these speed workouts today to burn some major calories and ease your guilt. More: Post-Super Bowl Calorie-Busting Workout originally appeared on About.com Running & Jogging on Monday, February 6th, 2012 at 10:35:33. Permalink | Comment | Email this
When I was out for my run today, I couldn't help but think that I would be consuming all the calories I was burning (and then some) during a Super Bowl party later today. Although running is an efficient way to burn calories, I have to remind myself that it doesn't give me carte blanche to eat whatever I want today, or any day. I'm definitely going to try to make some healthy choices and watch those portion sizes. Enjoy the game (and the commercials)! And, since I live in the New York area, I have to say: GO GIANTS! More:
Avoid Super Bowl Splurging originally appeared on About.com Running & Jogging on Sunday, February 5th, 2012 at 11:02:10. Permalink | Comment | Email this
Valentine's Day is right around the corner and running a race is a fun way to spend the holiday, whether you're single or attached. It's also great motivation to get out in the cold weather and run. And if you are single, you may just meet that special someone standing next to you at the starting line...you never know! Check out active.com's list of Valentine's Day races around the country. If their list doesn't include one in your area, type in your zip code to find one near you. More: Find Local Races l Tips for Cold Weather Races Show Your Love for Running originally appeared on About.com Running & Jogging on Thursday, February 2nd, 2012 at 12:54:16. Permalink | Comment | Email this
I know it's just a tradition and Punxsutawney Phil is said to be wrong at least half of the time, but it was still discouraging to hear the "six more weeks of winter" prediction this morning. If your motivation has been lacking this winter, here are some ways to stay motivated to run until the weather improves: Warm up inside before you head out. Often it's the thought of that first frigid 10 minutes of running that keeps us from going outside for a run. To help avoid that uncomfortable feeling for your first mile or so, try marching or slowly jogging in place for a few minutes inside before you head out. It will especially help warm up your feet and hands, which are often the most uncomfortable body parts during the beginning of a cold run. Sign up for races. Doing road races throughout the winter is a great way to guarantee you'll a) keep motivated to stay in shape and b) run outside, at least occasionally (for the races). Run with a group or a buddy. Find a local running group or recruit a friend to run with you. Knowing that someone is waiting for you will help motivate you to do those chilly runs. Shop for running clothes. If all else fails, you could always try some retail therapy to beat the winter blues. Many running and sporting goods stores have marked down their winter running clothes, so you could score some great deals and maybe give your motivation a little boost. More: Six More Weeks of Winter? originally appeared on About.com Running & Jogging on Thursday, February 2nd, 2012 at 10:45:10. Permalink | Comment | Email this
Reader Sarah emailed me with the following question: "I've been running for eight months now, and I've completed 5K and 10K races. My friends who have been running for longer are trying to convince me to train for a marathon in the fall. Not sure if I'm ready to take that leap. Should I do a half marathon first, or jump right into the marathon training?" Great question, Sarah! I hear this a lot from new runners who have friends, family members, or co-workers trying to convince them to train for and run a marathon (26.2 miles) with them. While I do believe any healthy person who is willing to commit to the training can complete a marathon, the training is not something to jump right into with no or little running experience. If someone is a coach potato, they would definitely want to run for at least six months (a year is better) before starting marathon training. But it sounds like you have a good running base and have plenty of time to prepare for a fall marathon, if it's something you feel ready to do right now. (Don't let friends pressure you into it!) It's definitely a good idea to complete a half marathon (13.1 miles) before a full marathon. Many runners, from beginners to advanced, run a half marathon during their marathon training as a confidence booster and a way to figure out their marathon goal time. It's helpful to get that kind of long distance race experience because you'll feel more physically and mentally prepared to go the marathon distance. Finding a local half marathon is not too hard in most areas, and you can fit into your marathon training schedule at any point after you've reached 10 miles for your long run. More: Should I Run a Half Marathon Before Attempting a Full Marathon? originally appeared on About.com Running & Jogging on Wednesday, February 1st, 2012 at 14:45:45. Permalink | Comment | Email this
Some runners choose to take the winter season off from racing, but others like to stay motivated by continuing to race through the colder months. Although many of the same cold weather running safety tips (like "don't overdress") apply to winter racing, here are a few other things to keep in mind if you're running in a chilly race. Wear throw-away clothes at the start. The worst part of about winter racing is usually when you have to strip down to your racing outfit before the race starts. Rather than wasting a lot of energy freezing at the start, try to stay as warm as possible. If you know you're going to be waiting for a while, like at the start of a marathon, wear an old long sleeve shirt over your race outfit for extra warmth. Rather than tying it around your waist and adding extra bulk, you can throw it out at the one of the water stops once you're warmed up. Some big races even allow runners to throw away extra clothes at the start because they collect the clothes and donate them to a local charity. Keep your head and hands warm at the start. Even if you don't think you'll race in a hat and gloves, you should at least wear them at the start, since you'll lose a lot of heat through your head and extremities. Some runners like to use hand warmers in their gloves to keep their hands extra toasty. If you get too warm during the race, you could always take off your hat or gloves and hold them, tuck them into the back of your pants, or pass them off to one of your cheerleaders along the race course. Do a warm-up. A pre-race warm-up is especially important when racing in colder weather. A good warm-up dilates your blood vessels, ensuring that your muscles are well supplied with oxygen. It also raises your muscles' temperature for optimal flexibility and efficiency. By slowly raising your heart rate, the warm-up also helps minimize stress on your heart when you start your run. Don't forget to hydrate. You may not be as aware of your hydration needs during cold weather races as you are when it's warm. But you're still sweating, so make sure you're stopping at the water stops and drinking at least 6 ounces of fluids every 20-25 minutes. More: Tips for Racing in Cold Weather originally appeared on About.com Running & Jogging on Monday, January 30th, 2012 at 12:28:49. Permalink | Comment | Email this
After doing a long run in cold weather, the thought of soaking my tired and achy muscles in a hot bath is so tempting. But it's actually not helpful for your post-run recovery. When runners say they're going to take a post-run hot bath or sit in a Jacuzzi, I always feel bad saying, "Don't do it!" Find out why sitting in an ice bath is better than soaking in a hot tub. More: Can I Soak in a Hot Tub After a Long Run? originally appeared on About.com Running & Jogging on Sunday, January 29th, 2012 at 11:19:20. Permalink | Comment | Email this
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