Midwest Basecamp – Explorations Everywhere

Consistency is Key

I’m a big fan of developing good habits. My husband would probably call it a serious case of OCD, but I believe in developing and maintaining a series of routines that are easy to stick to, a game plan of sorts, that I can follow each time.

My running routine starts in the morning, when I’m still in bed. I can usually wake up these days without an alarm clock, around 6:00 a.m. I put on my running clothes and shorts, have a quick, light bite to eat, a large glass of water, and I’m out the door by 6:15 a.m. It’s a routine I’ve followed for years and one that’s helped me maintain my fitness goals.

Run with Others

While I typically run by myself, I’m a big fun or having a run partner, whether it be my husband or a friend. Running in groups can really inspire you to keep going, it builds up a competitive spirit inside you that makes you want to perform better. Running with others also holds you accountable.

Start off Slow

A lot of people start off trying to develop a running routine, and they give up after a couple of weeks (or shorter). And that’s usually because they start off too fast, both literally and figuratively, and get burned out. So try and start off slow: keep your pace down, and your mileage low. And then build on it every day. Pretty soon, you’ll be running at a consistent pace and will be doing a 5k without breaking a sweat.

Keep a Running Log

As with any goal in life, you should be keeping track of your progress. For this reason, I really recommend keeping a running log of all your runs, including how far you ran, your time, and how you felt at the end of the run.

Run Outside

I’ve done my fair share of running on treadmills, and I have to admit: I really don’t like them. At least compared to running outdoors. A treadmill run is often more convenient, but when I’m running outdoors I feel more energized, happier, and want to keep going.

And there you have it. You don’t have to run every day, but it’s a good idea to make a plan that outlines your goals, and then use some of the tips above to help you reach them.

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