How to Make Running a Habit

I’d like to start by giving this blog some props.

The ICEdot blogging community has turned into an extremely informational and motivational place, acting as an excellent resource for all things running, cycling, swimming, and racing. I love that everyone involved here is so knowledgeable, uplifting, and supportive. It makes both visiting and writing for this site a real treat. Just wanted to throw that out there and give all my fellow athletes a virtual high five. Thanks for making this place so much fun!

I spent a little time today looking over my past posts. I’ve covered a range of topics from training plans, to pre-race rituals, to runner friendly recipes. I am definitely proud of each of these posts but noticed one particular thing. I feel like my writing has catered to the seasoned athlete. Someone who has been actively engaged in their particular sport of choice for a while. Someone who knows the ins and outs. I love writing towards that audience and plan to continue. However, I don’t want to overlook anyone. I want to be a resource for all athletes. Those who have been around awhile and those who are just beginning.

There is a whole lot of information to process when you finally decide to try a new sport. What do I wear? What should I eat? What is the best method of training? These questions simply skim the surface. With so much to think about, it can be easy to get frustrated and give up. However, giving up isn’t what you want to do. You want to stick with it. You want to make yourself better! With that being said, I thought I would post about a really basic topic tonight. I’d like to share some simple tips and tricks for making running a habit. To help you stick with it. It is my hope that those of you just venturing into the glorious world of running will find this information (although simple) helpful and maybe something you can implement into your new and exciting journey towards a healthier, happier you!

Tip #1: Get Organized! Don’t wait until the last minute to get ready for a run. Darting around the house searching for a pair of socks at 5am (if you’re a morning runner) or at the end of a long day (if you’re an evening runner) is no fun. It makes the whole process a lot more hectic than it needs to be. My advice would be…

• Lay out your running gear the night before. The whole shebang…socks, shirt, shoes, shorts, garmin, ICEdot band, whatever. Lay it out. Put it somewhere where you can see it. Now your run isn’t out of sight, out of mind. It is on your mind…and you need to get it done!

Tip #2: Fuel Up! Prep a snack. Running on empty is a doozy. At least for me. I feel terrible with nothing on my stomach and I always make a point to throw together something the night before. Again, if you run in the AM this saves you a bit of time. One less thing to worry about at the crack of dawn is always helpful. If you run after work in the evening, you can stash the snack with you during the day and then eat it 30 minutes to an hour before you hit the road (this is what I ALWAYS do). I usually go for something that is a good mixture of carbs and protein, such as a wasa cacker with a smear of nut butter and jelly.

Tip #3: Just Do It. I promise I’m not trying to mimic Nike here but honestly, just get out there and do it. It isn’t going to be easy. Especially at first. In fact, it might suck a lot. However, you have a choice. You can choose to get out there and change your life for the better or you can choose to fall prey to your excuses and stay stuck where you are.

So, if you’re trying to make running a part of your life and you want it to be something you can stick with, I hope you’ll try these things and find success with them. Remember…we all have a choice. What is yours?

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