I need to condition not only for softball, but for my general health, and running is the best way. I hate running with a passion. Does anyone have any advice as how to get me motivated to run, or how to get me to enjoy running?
2006-12-14 11:09:19 · 36 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Running
Here is a new idea, you should check aroudn to see if there are any local swim clubs that you could join up with. Swimming is a great low-impact, high result substitute for running.
If you are set on running then you need to stop looking at the run at the time before you get to the finish line. In eastern philosophy it is called a state of zen. You should be running to be running (if that makes any sense). You already are going into the excercise thinking how much you hate it. Every time that you muscles start to burn or your shins start to ache, you will think about how much you hate it, and this will make it that much worse. If you think that you have to do something you hate to so something you love, you need to forget about the part you hate and focus on the goal you love.
A way to overload the antagonistic internal dialogue, try doing this, every time you catch yourself thinking how much you hate running, keep running, but activily imagine winning a softball game, and remind yourself about the benefit. If you need to (and you are not to concerned if the people you work out around you think you are wierd) then, out loud, tell yourself how much better off you will be after you have gotten the benefits from the running.
2006-12-14 11:16:59 · answer #1 · answered by jdm6235 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Running is a very versatile sport. It can be used for training for all sports. For softball, my best advice is speed work. This is not very hard, and can easily be accomplished in about 20 minutes 3-4 times a week. Basically, you need a flat, straight street/field, and a designated time. Start out going out at dusk, as this is a very cool part of the day. If you start to like it, begin going out in the morning. If you are a musical type, an mp3 player, or even a radio at your start point will work. You may also want a sports drink or water.
The real question here is how to get you motivated. What helps me is picturing that wild animals are chasing me. Also, you should think things like "50 feet to go," or set goals for yourself. The best motivation is to bring a friend out to run with you. that way, you have someone to talk with while you run. Another motivator is local races. Try a 5k as it is a very good distance for running, and if you are in a place with weekly or monthly 5K's, you can go and try to improve your times.
2006-12-15 14:43:14 · answer #2 · answered by scubazim 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's always hardest when you're starting out. The best thing you can do is set a goal (maybe find a 5K race in your area, that's usually a god starting point), figure out a plan to get there (there are lots of good 5K plans on the internet), and stick to it. That's really the hardest part right there. It's going to be tough, especially in the beginning, so you have to really want it and make yourself train. If you can do that, though, it won't be too long before your running long distances. Start small. If you're out of breath after a 1/4 mile, you may be pushing yourself too hard. Dial your pace back a bit and see if you can run farther that way. I know you want to go faster, but you're going to have to build up to it. Stick to your plan!
2016-05-24 06:15:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lots of people feel very differently about it, but I say run a race, probably a 5K (about 3 miles). It may sound far, but find the biggest one you can, preferably with people cheering on the course, and you will make it through. Also, go to a track or a cross country meet. If you have any friends or relatives that run in high school or college, check it out. When you see somebody just dying with a half mile to go, and the crowd is screaming at them to dig down and find that extra gear and they actually find it, that is totally awesome. I can't think of something much more inspirational than that.
2006-12-14 15:08:42 · answer #4 · answered by milerman01 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First thing you need is a positive attitude. You'll never stick with it unless you enjoy it (or at least don't hate it!). Next, check with your doctor & make sure it's OK to start a running program. Then good shoes are next. See if you can use the track at your local school (the surface is usually softer than pavement). Try to find someone to run with & help motivate each other. You'll be less likely to skip days if there's someone else going with you.
2006-12-14 12:01:03 · answer #5 · answered by crazydave 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
find a running partner that is somewhat faster yet understanding of your needs. Good shoes are a plus and I would use a mp3 player if you run by yourself.
Set goals 1 mile at a time.
Also I start by running a mile then stretch each leg for 30 seconeds then I continue to run. You should not stretch before you run due to injury to a cold muscle.
2006-12-15 11:35:42 · answer #6 · answered by ae 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dangle a carrot on a stick.
Kidding... set a goal to run a certain distance or a set distance at a certain speed. Try to beat your record or somebody elses.
Personally, I pretend somebody is after me. I'm a sucker for playing make-believe.
If that doesn't work, join the dorks (no offense) in fierce Dance Dance Revolution competitions.
2006-12-14 11:14:45 · answer #7 · answered by Mickey Mouse Spears 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Listen to music and just run...I am a football player at nearly 300 lbs and motivate myself to run everyday by knowing it will pay off on the field.
2006-12-14 11:11:17 · answer #8 · answered by kenyon072 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can't run before you can walk.
Start by walking each night and jogging the last 3 minutes. Try this for about a week. The next week jog for 6 minutes.
Start small and work your way up.
2006-12-14 11:11:04 · answer #9 · answered by FaZizzle 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Try finding a partner with whom to run. Keeps you motivated.
2006-12-14 11:11:09 · answer #10 · answered by Gremlin 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋