Just wondering about YOUR method

[methos_tj]

Hi all,

Well I am most curious about the different methods of keeping Cardio motivating (mainly running).

See, I compare the fun I have running with the fun I have watching grass grow. Sometimes it's all TOO stimulating (forgive the sarcasm:D )

I think my toughest conflict is that I am a solo runner. I have no persons living near me that would want to start a running routine. I run for a couple of weeks and then I look for reasons to do other cardio (jump rope a few rounds, run the stairs in my house although it annoys my fiancée ,etc) I am really having a hard time taking care of the cardio thing solo. Any one else finding themselves in my shoes? I try the Tae-BO thing and all that good stuff but the bottom line is I need to improve run times and I live by the motto if you want to run better than run and run MORE!...as many of the people here agree. I am very motivated to train other aspects of my workout routine solo but for some reason I cannot conquer running!

Any advice?

Thanks!

[ehelms]

think you just have to love it, or for me, learn to love it.

I try to go 3-4 times/week. Try a few moderately fast runs (3-5 miles.) One longer run (above 5) that is slow, and one that is all out for say 1.5 - 2.0 miles. Sometimes try to make one of the faster ones an interval run. Do a search for intervals as there are some really good diff types of work-outs concerning them on this forum. Add in some hills on a boring day.

Good luck. I got no one to seriously run with me as well, so I understand where you are coming from.

:hustle:

[MsCoyoteKatie]

In addition to improving my cardio and endurance, I use my running plan to work on my mindset for becoming a Police Officer.

Here's my plan:

Monday: Slow Tempo run (30 Mins). I use this as my time to clear my head and rethink my goals

Tuesday: Interval Training: Every 1/4 mile--15 second sprint (1/4 mi=15 secs, 1/2 mi=30secs...up to 90 sec interval, then back down 75,60,45,30,15 secs). -- I'm so focused on tackling the sprint and recovering for the next 1/4 mile that the time flys by.

Wednesday: Med Tempo/Long Run (40 Min). Another way to clear my head/get into the mindset.

Thursday: Hills (I think of every hill as an obstacle to my goal and tackle it)

Friday: Timed run (1.5 or 2.0 miles). Try to beat the previous week's time. Time to kick a$$ right before my weekend break.

Hope this helps--
Katie

[SA FrequentFlyer]

ehelms is right. You just have to learn to love it.

Try to keep in mind how you feel mentally and physically after a good run or other cardio workout. You're awake and alert. The endomorphins have kicked in, and you feel like a stud/ette. It can be contagious and addictive. No matter how your run went, always remember that it was better than anyone who is just sitting around, not hitting the pavement.

Especially when you lack running partners, it may be helpful to enter in some 5K races. By registering for a race, you have made both training and financial commitments to run in an organized event. If you're going to pay to do it, why not do as well as you can, and improve everytime?

Also, many races are usually for charitable causes. For instance, there are programs, where you commit to running a marathon and raise money for a cancer research or a patient with specific needs. In return, the program supplies you with an individualized program (any experience level) and a running coach who trains you and other runners in your level. A lot of people successfully complete this program with very little prior running experience.

Your run will be timed by an official clock, and your results published. You will see where you fall amongst hundreds of other runners, and you will probably be pleasantly surprised. We tend to run faster when it's official and competitive. What better way to motivate yourself to improve on your times for future races?

You will also meet many of your fellow race-mates at the finishline, since most races have food and drinks when it's all over. You may discover that there are running clubs or people who live/work near you that are interested in running buddies, or at least they're interested in meeting up at a great running site.

And of course, you get a goodie bag that usually includes a tee-shirt and other great freebies. The tee shirts are good reminders of what you've accomplished.

Put some variety into your runs. Don't be afraid to drive somewhere to find better running scenery. Parks and popular trails are a great place to start, because if everyone else around you is running, it helps to keep you motivated. What about your fiancee? A surefire motivator is including your other half, either running with you, or biking or rollerblading alongside you.

Lastly...Invest in your running. Make sure you have good equipment. At a minimum, treat yourself by getting a nicer pair of running shoes that you might not have allowed yourself to buy before. Maybe some new shorts or socks that are specifically for running. They're certainly not must-haves, just "nice to haves," to reward yourself for sticking with the program. Start reading running magazines for tips or new techniques to try to stay motivated or improve times.

Good luck. It IS possible to love running:D

SAFF

[ehelms]

:)

Try keeping a work-out journal. It is somewhat enjoyable to chart your progress.

[Astor]

I run solo too. I prefer it that way (only child thing I guess)


I use an MP3 player with my favorite songs on it. It takes my mind off the running, and depending on the song, will make me want to run fast or keep a steady pace. It's really motivational when you feel like you can't go one and then Sister Christian by Night Ranger comes on and you feel ready to run another 5 miles (err did I say Night Ranger? I meant Metallica...yeah that's it). The Superman theme makes you feel really cool too:)

As said before, variety is the spice of life! I live in the south in the flatlands, but I'm visiting my folks in California. I love running these hills! Also, if you have a gym membership, try doing stuff like the Stair Master and those cross country machines. I really like the stair machine with actual stairs. Just make sure you're within your target heart rate. It's all cardio if you do it for 25 mins or more, and cross-training will help improve with the running too.

Running backwards is fun too, on straight aways (on the sidewalk!). It's interesting and people will give you strange looks and honk at you more (cars that is, not people, well at least not many of them).

Astor

[LongArm]

Originally posted by Astor
I use an MP3 player with my favorite songs on it. It takes my mind off the running, and depending on the song, will make me want to run fast or keep a steady pace. Astor

I highly recommend the theme music from Mission Impossible II and Charging Fort Wagner from the Glory soundtrack for short distances or intervals (or, for that matter, pushup and pullup routines). For longer runs, the Battle of Yavin (Star Wars IV) and the Battle (Gladiator) are about 10 minutes long (each).

LongArm

[methos_tj]

Thanks for all the great replies!

My personal fav is the Rocky 4 movie soundtrack...I have always gone to that for the "pump me up" kind of music (especially before sparring competitions:D )

I am taking all of your advice in and processing everything. I am in the process of signing up for either a YMCA or using my University pool (Alumni perks!) for swimming. I really enjoy swimming and would much rather spend my cardio time doing that BUT I HAVE TO RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am sure once I suck it up and actually make strong progress I'll "learn to love it" I run my 1.5 in about 12:00 and I really would like to get that better but also I would like to increase my milage..all in due time and hard work---the bottom line with all exercise:D :D

Press on!

Methos

[Brindle]

Sometimes you've just gotta spend some money. Exercise equipment is nothing compared to what most spend on college. And being in shape can open doors in LE. I also believe that in the long run the increased health is worth the extra $'s.

I just love my treadmill. Here's some benefits...

Running with TV.

Running hills without having run down hill.

The deck on my treadmill flexes so I feel about 50% of the post workout joint pain.

I would suggest spending a few extra dollars and get a treadmill that goes 12 miles per hour (instead of the standard 10 mph).