For most of us, even if we jog, it’s difficult to call ourselves “runners”, isn’t it? Show of hands (or comments?), how many of you jog? Come on, don’t be shy! It probably took me a couple of years to admit I was a runner. And even today, I feel strange saying it out loud sometimes. Not sure why. Maybe because a ‘runner’ to me should be an Olympian or professionals running in the Boston marathon, but how can I, little ol’ me, be a ‘runner’? Well, I go outside and I run. I might be slow, and take short walking breaks, but I run, and I guess that makes me a runner, too.
I’d love to learn more about other runners, tips they have, how to stay motivated, etc. 🙂
I feel like I haven’t done much since I completed my 20 km race in Brussels at the end of May. I actually took a couple of months sort-of off, going for the occasional run here and there, but nothing too specific. Then I had the bright idea to start a casual running group in my neighbourhood! I gotta say, that was such a good idea, it gets neighbours together, getting some fresh air and exercise, and for my own selfish benefit, it forces me to go for a run! haha It’s only once a week, so it’s not a huge commitment, and we run between 3.5 – 5k. Because we run in our own neighbourhood, it’s easy for anyone to join us, they can run what they can, and then if they feel like that is all they can do, well, they can just go home when they jog by their house! 🙂
I used to have a jogging buddy run with me twice a week, but she recently told me that she’s going to take a break for the winter, so that leaves me open to find replacement partners for those days. I might ask my neighbourhood group if some are interested.
Everyone is different, and although I enjoy running by myself sometimes, I do enjoy the part about being somehow accountable to others, and the extra push that I get from knowing others are going to be there and wait for me.
So, right now, I think my goal is to run 3 times a week, on a semi-consistent basis (it’s ok to skip a run here and there, in my opinion). I run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
I also just started going back to hot yoga! I LOVE hot yoga! I wish I could go every day, but for now, I’ll start with once a week. There’s an awesome Yin yoga class on Wednesdays that I want to integrate in my schedule. I don’t know much about all the various types of yoga, but Yin is basically a deep stretching class. It’s a slow pace, so you don’t really sweat, even in an over-heated room, your heart rate stays calm. You just go into positions and hold them for several minutes, hence a very deep stretch. Which I think is excellent for anyone, but especially active people like runners. I always feel amazing after that class (especially the next day), and it allows me to run better, since yoga allows us to be more flexible, have a better posture and balance.
Running + yoga = made to last 🙂
So, for now, my goal is to run 3x/week and hot yoga 1x/week. Then, in time, I will add a second hot yoga class and a couple of boxing classes for women, because I’ve tried it once last year and I think it’s an amazing program, builds up muscles without the boring gym (I’m not a fan of the gym. I find it very boring and not stimulating).
So those are my fitness goals for the coming months/year to stay active, healthy and social at the same time 🙂
What do you do to maintain an active lifestyle? What does your schedule look like? What are your upcoming goals? I’d love to hear about it!
ECP
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Sarah says
Love those quotes! I definately cut back on running in the winter, but am trying to get into yoga more!
EyeCandyPopper says
Thanks! We all need a little inspiration, don’t we? 😉 I love winter running, but it is hard to get into it during the change of weather/temperature.
Andrea says
I’m a runner. I know yoga is good for me, but I’m just not a huge fan of it. I’m fortunate that there are several training groups in my area. I join one each spring when I train for our local half marathon. I love the idea of your more casual neighborhood group though. I think running with a group is more fun and definitely keeps me accountable. I also take boot camp classes three days a week. I have to sign up in advance which helps ensure that I’ll show up!
EyeCandyPopper says
Agreed! the accountability helps! I also liked the fact that it forces me to meet new neighbours. 🙂 And yes, we keep it totally casual, since the goal is to get people to come, not make them feel like they wouldn’t be able to keep up. Sounds like you’re pretty active, and that’s a good example to follow!
Julia at Home on 129 Acres says
It took me awhile to be comfortable with calling myself a runner–years and a few races. I fell off the running wagon when we moved to our new house, but I really missed it and recently have gotten back into it. Granted, my runs are just half hour romps across the field with the dog, but they’re actually runs. I feel really good for doing something active every single day… although the cold, snowy, dark mornings are not super motivating. In the past, I’ve run with a group, and that’s been tremendously positive for me. It got me through my first winter running, made me much faster than I ever thought I’d be, and connected me with some really great friends. Runners are so supportive in my experience, so I think a post like this will resonate with a lot of us. I also think it’s important to make running what you want it to be. I ran one marathon and knew I only wanted to do it once. Serious distance training isn`t fun for me. Likewise, I don`t like spending money to register for races. Just because I don`t go further than 10K and don`t test myself against a clock and other runners doesn`t make me any less of a runner though. Good for you for starting your own running group and for articulating your goals. I think that`s a really positive step.
EyeCandyPopper says
I agree about paying for races… but I love the atmosphere so much, haha I guess they got me! Running with your dog sounds like so much fun, and a good exercise too! I think what’s important is to find a way to stay active and enjoy it too. And diversify our exercise routine as well, not just do one thing. Kind of like eating, it’s best to eat various foods and not always the same thing. 🙂