The funny thing is if you had asked me to go for a "run" 4 months ago I would said, "pass!" I loved workouts and aerobic classes but when it came to just plain running...I was bored out of my mind and just couldn't get into it. I would choose almost ANY exercise over running! But my sister and several friends loved running and were always discussing that "running high" and the benefits of running. So for my new years resolution I decided I needed to ditch my attitude and turn a new leaf with running.
In order to actually stick to my my new year's resolution I did three things:
1. Signed up for a race - a half marathon to be exact (13.1 miles)
I signed up for a race that was exactly 12 weeks away from the new year. Now at the time this seemed like A LOT of running for me haha. But I figured go big or go home, right? And If I signed up for a race, than I was accountable. I HAD to train or...I would fail. The other reason for registering was once I signed up for a race...friends and family knew about it. So... if I stopped training and some one asked, "hey when is your race?" I would have to sheepishly respond, "Oooh, I gave up on that." And who want's to admit they gave up on something? Basically, by signing up I knew I would have to stick to my New Year's Resolution.
2. Used the Nike Plus Sportband!! (P.S. Thanks for that Mom!) :-)
This thing is FREAKING SWEET! (oh FYI you also need nike + shoes) :-). It records your distance, pace, time and calories burned while you run. When you’re done with your run (and the band can save up to a week's worth of runs before you have to download), you connect the removable Nike+ SportBand Link to your computer to go to nikeplus.com, where you can track your runs, set goals, get advice, challenge others, and MUCH more. By the way, it’s also a watch. :-).
The website is VERY user friendly and keeps track of ever single run you download. You can compare runs, see progress, make notes of weather, map the run, how you felt that day etc. For someone new to running this was a GREAT training tool!! It has some fun features as well like "Nike levels" which is a way to recognize the total distance you’ve achieved since joining Nikeplus.com, creating an avatar, and they also have videos pop of professional athletes congratulating you from time to time...cheesy but kinda cute :-). The website does have a few glitches that Nike could work on but overall it's a really cool tool to use!
3. The last thing I did, was stick to a routine.
No matter how long the work day or how cold it was...I tried to make sure I got my 5 runs in that week. (in the 12 weeks I think I missed a total of 6 runs?!? hey, it happens right?) There are tons of schedules out there for training for a race. I found one that worked for me and my schedule, and was suggested for beginner racers :-).
Honestly, I know it sounds cheesy but before I knew it I was looking forward to my runs! It was a great way to clear my mind and I felt good afterward. Not every run was great, and some felt longer then others. But overall, I was always happy I did it. And before I knew it...it was race day :-).
On March 27th, I successfully completed my first half-marathon in 1:48:16. :-). It felt great and I hope it was the first of many to come.
So....what was your New Year's Resolution? Did you stick to it, did you have a plan? :-)
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