How to ease back into running

With roughly ten weeks until the next half-marathon, I've been easing myself back into a training schedule. As I've explained before, I'm a runner who hates running.

Like a friend of mine recently pointed out,
1. it's boring as all get out
2. no one at the gym knows how long I've been here, so I could just leave
3. I could be eating brownies right now.


photo from facebook.com/clubhausfitness

Here are a few things I've been doing to transition back into the lifestyle, after hanging with cyclists a little too long (who are super friendly & like to offer you beer and cookies while fixing your bike).

I'm taking the stairs at work...every time I change floors or buildings, instead of most of the time.

I'm eating a breakfast with protein every morning, so that I don't get tired (read: discouraged) in the middle of the day, or during the only moment I'd have for a workout.

I'm stocking up on some new music for my ipod, since Bon Iver doesn't make the most encouraging running partner.

photo from freecodesource.com

I'm making my weekly workouts more visual, so I can keep track of my progress without having to think about what day of the week it is or date it is.

This includes expanding my running wardrobe (cutting down on middle-of-the-week-laundry) with these fun shirts from One More Mile Running.

They add a quirky twist that the pile of 5k and half-marathon shirts don't quite afford, and are certainly more interesting than the classic black-on-black workout clothes that are out there.

photo from someecards.com












Another visual way: keeping my training schedule easily accessible (having one copy at my desk and one on my refrigerator), ready to mark off!

What helps you get back into the spirit of running?