How do I Start Running?

Question

I always want to come home and jump on the tredmill or go to the gym, but once I get in the car, and get tired from the whole day it's just impossible to get motivated. I wake up very early, so running in the morning is not an option. Any suggestions on how to put on the gym shorts, shirt, shoes and start running?

Answer 1

Getting started is 80% of the battle.

It has always helped me to focus on the reason I am going to run. My current reason is my wife and I are expecting a child and I have made it my mission to be healthy to make sure I am around longer than my father was. It can be anything that is important to you from getting ready for the beach to getting back into competition and run a 5k.

Once you get into the habit of running, it gets easier to motivate. The runs make you feel better and you will look forward to them. The key is getting going!

Best of luck

Answer 2

I quit smoking recently and I haven't got to the running stage yet. I didn't realise just what a huge impact the cigarettes had on my health, but slowly it's getting better. I started just walking for 1/2 an hour each day. Now I do an hour a day and soon I will be trying to brisk walk and little by little get to a slow jog until eventually I hopefully will run! Anyway, what I'm trying to say is if I went hell for leather after I quit smoking I would of lost motivation because there is no way I could of run as I would of had a coronary!!!!!!! Also, if you are tired when you get home, go for a run but if you end up brisk walking it's ok. You will get over the tiredness eventually and then I don't think anyone will be able to stop you from going for a run!

Answer 3

You are mentally tired and your mind is telling you that you are physically tired, when you get home you need to go straight and change into your running clothes and make sure you take something with you to drink; AND DO NOT SIT DOWN WHEN YOU GET HOME, once you sit down then you will be there the rest of the evening. It is just a hump you have to get over and once you do it then this will come natural and it will not be hard to do any more. Plus, you will be sore for the first three days but after that you won't anymore; YOU CAN DO IT!

Answer 4

It does take some determination to actually put something like this into action. Habits take a long time to form, and I assume you want this to become a (good) habit. Key word in that sentence is "want". Do you really want to get out and run? You need to set aside some time to run, starting once or twice a week. Make a "date" with yourself, or a running partner that you have to workout in that time, whether its just 20 minutes of working out or an hour. You need to honor this committment to yourself, and it will get easier. Also try to do some working out during the day so you don' t feel as pressured to get it done at night (i've been on some night runs and its been good, other times I just wanted it to be quick and over with). Try to walk/jog during a break at work (if you can), or even do some squats, situps, lunges or stretching throughout the day if you get breaks or you're waiting around/on the phone, etc. Every little bit helps. That way you can feel as though you're staying active, even you only get a good long run in a couple times a week.

Answer 5

What motivates me is knowing the people who depend on me. My health (taking care of myself) is the greatest thing I can do for everyone around me. I may be tired at the end of the day, but I still have a home and family to take care of. If I'm not in good shape, everything else will start to deteriorate. Many people think about exercising as a hobby or a leisure time; but I consider it as important if not more than continuing education when it comes to employment. When you read about all the benefits a healthy exercise and eating program offer, you know why other countries are so hipped on taking care of their employees.

Answer 6

I feel the same way. There will always be an excuse not to do it, but what it boils down to is listening to Nike's slogan--just do it. If you feel to tired to workout try doing a few pushups to get the blood pumpin'. Believe it or not, exercising gives you energy as soon as you begin. Try not to kill yourself running the first time otherwise you wont have the desire to run in a couple of days. Just run for bout 20 minutes with 5 min. warmup and 5 min cooldown. 30 minutes a day is worth staying in shape. I'd consider that a pretty good deal, wouldn't you.

Answer 7

here's an idea. how about you and a couple buddies sign up for a local 5k or something of that sort a couple of months from now. you could have friendly wagers on who will win and im sure that'll motivate you to train. if that doesn't sound good, find someone to run with (preferably someone who is already motivated). listen to some music that pumps you up and maybe you'll just get going.

Answer 8

Think what works for me is I just get dressed and ready to go. Once that is done, I figure well I may as well go to at least do my carido. Then once I'm at the gym I figure, well I'm here so I may as well do my carido and weights.

I also saw a commercial once that I often think of it said, "Nobody regretted going to the gym today."

Also, once you start being more active I guarantee you will feel your level of energy go up on a daily bases. Your body just responses well to exercise. It's a win win situation. And there are not many of those in life!

Answer 9

It helps if you have your running attire ready, say the day before. Somehow just looking at the rung shoes and gear motivates me to run. I have several sets of running gear, just in case I don't get to the laundry on time.

Answer 10

It's about motivation. It all resides within.

You need to make it a HAVE TO.
Not a SHOULD TO.

If you make it a priority then you'll do it. But if it's far down the line, somewhere between watching Deal or no Deal and sleeping, you won't get it done!