Staying Motivated for your Workouts

During this time of year, there are a number of things that might keep you from changing into running clothes and log some miles for the day. The devil on your shoulder—picture a hairy, couch-potato version of Danny DeVito—might try to convince you to indulge in some sweets, catch up on the last few episodes of Modern Family, or stay in the warmth of your bed because it’s a cold, dangerous world out there.

With that being said, it’s a good thing we all have that ideal, healthy version of ourselves sitting on the opposing shoulder to urge us into our workout routines day-to-day. While we’re on the subject of the fit version of yourself, it should be said that you should remind yourself of your goals every so often. When you’re losing track of the progress you want to make and the goals you’ve set, take a break from the calorie counting and workouts schedules to revisit your ‘fit-spiration’, if you will.

Some common ways of maintaining your motivational levels involve making a vision board with quotes, photos, and other miscellaneous items that urge you to keep going. A less crafty version of a vision board might include a hand-written list of five reasons you want yourself to stick to your workout regimen. Keep your vision board or list in a visible place.

Pushing past the days where you’re sore or are tempted much more towards snacking versus running, can be made easier with reminders from your ideal self—the angel on your shoulder. Be sure to give yourself a cheat day, and if all else fails enlist your fitness guru friends as workout buddies. This way you feel a little more accountable, if not nervous as to what insane push-up routine they might put you through if you miss a workout.

If you're looking for some more tips on staying motivated, browse this article from giaim.com 

Happy trails.

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You're Reason Enough

Many odd weeks ago, I was stopped mid-internet-surf after coming across one of the most inspiring of poems. In their most common form recently, it was scrawled in a artsy font atop a quaint photo of a dark and winding road. Despite the status quo presentation it came on, the pome was really quite moving and while I couldn’t find it to share today, I can explain why it resonated with me.

The poem was centered on reasons that might moticate you to run. A couple lines included, “Run because you’ve fought with your partner”, “Run because you’ve got the time”, and “Run because you haven’t any time at all”. The underlying motif, is that we shouldn’t need to talk ourselves into something we value so deeply.

When you’ve stopped your watch at the end of a run, and your body still feels like it’s in a continual state of momentum, though you’ve been walking or several steps now, you’ve accomplished something. Run because you’re capable and because you love to.

You’re reason enough.

Happy trails. 

Check out Miles of Happy blog for fun tips and photos that any runner would enjoy

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Unevenness

There’s a film of purple clouds looming overhead. From somewhere behind those dismal sky-bound sheets, the sun offers little light and even less of its warmth. I might believe that it’s a late Colorado evening. But I’m not a climatologist, and the analog digits of my watch speak to that fact, indicating that it is only midday.

Below my rhythmic running shoes, the black tar concrete sits beneath a layer of rain. The way the puddles have gathered upon the ground gives heed to the uneven contours of the concrete. Uneven like the pattern of breathing that fills up, and so readily escapes the trappings of my lungs. Uneven is the sweat that drips from either brow on my forehead as I sweep it onto my finger and flick it gone only to realize that only dewy drops of rain could be so cold. It becomes a motif –unevenness—as I hurdle puddles to avoid soggy socks. 

Side-aches hardly come in pairs and rocks are often lodged into the bottom of one of your shoes. Yet, we run through unevenness because there is always a remedy. For every aching side, you have an equally strong side to help you will away pain. 

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For tips on running in the rain, check out this article by Lauren Johnston in Daily News