11. Keep in mind that the later in the day it gets, the more likely it is that you won’t run.
Something I'm definitely struggling with lately. My goal has been to get up by 6 or 6:30 am and go to the indoor track and run or the gym and do the elliptical or stationary bike but we've gotten into the very bad habit of going to bed far too late (usually 11-12pm or later...ugh...). I need to break the habit by getting up and exercising so then I'd be too tired to stay up but alas I'm still struggling to start the new trends. But this is totally true, if I say I'm gonna go "after" dinner or "after" the kids are asleep, after comes and I don't go exercise! Morning really is the best time, I just need to prioritize--and just do it!!
28. If you say, "Let's run this race together" then you must stay with that person no matter how slow.
29. Think twice before agreeing to run with someone during a race.
I worry about these two. When hubby and I ran Rex Lee 5K last March together he took out hard and I tried to keep up but then I was doing great the 2nd half but felt like I "had" stay with him but was disappointed at the end...so this is a hard concept for me. I want to run together and yet sometimes you just both aren't feeling it at the same time. When we ran a 1/2 marathon last year on our anniversary together we ran the entire race until about the last mile and then I was feeling good and hubby was okay with me going ahead. I would have loved to have finished together, but I also knew neither of us would like the other to not go with our pace and finish the best for each of us...so maybe I'm selfish but for me it's harder to finish knowing I haven't given it my all than "promise" to stay together when that's not what's in it for both of you.
31. Look at hills as opportunities to pass people.
I have to admit running my 1st marathon (St George last fall) it was really fun to be passing people each hill. Because I started later I was running a "4 hour" marathon pace back with the 5 and 6 hour runners so maybe it was "cheating" in that regard, but either way, it did feel good and motivating to be moving forward up those hills and not slowing down or walking.
32. Distance running is like cod liver oil. At first it makes you feel awful, then it makes you feel better.
This one made me laugh. But it's true that the longer you do it the better you feel. I always say it takes me 4 miles just to warm up. No wonder I didn't think I was that much of a runner before, I'd never run more than 4 miles in one run!
36. Don’t wait for perfect weather. If you do, you won’t run very often.
This one is far too close to home right now. After the months of rigorous training for my first marathon, running the marathon (had a great experience!) but then the cold weather hit and I feel like I hit a wall...excuses, excuses...trying to get back into some patterns and rhythm but really struggling right now. I tell myself it will be easier when spring comes and it's nicer outside but I still gotta run now...makes me feel like I'm not a real runner yet! am I a huge slacker/whiner?!
37. When tempted to stop being a runner, make a list of the reasons you started.
39. Without goals, training has no purpose.
I definitely need something to work toward, to be accountable to, that's why having a race and training plan is so important for me...which is what I don't have right now. that and a running partner would probably help too.
53. Running is always enjoyable. Sometimes, though, the joy doesn’t come until the end of the run.
'nuf said.
