Run Streak?

irishdancer23

I've been running for 3 years now, but lately I've found it so hard to motivate myself to get out the door. To be honest, I don't think I've ever had a period of time where I was running consistently. I'm trying to make running into a habit, and I think I'd do really well if I could do it consistently every morning. The problem is, right now I'm only running about 6 miles a week, and I'm afraid running every day might be overdoing it. I also need to build in at least one long run per week, as I'm training for a half marathon in March. I honestly have no idea what to do- I know I need to make exercise a habit if I ever want to stick to it, but when I run, for instance, every other day, the rest days throw me off, and I find it so hard to get back on track again! Does anyone have any suggestions on how to make running a habit without overworking myself?

dewd2

Find a local running group and train with them. Check on Facebook and local running stores and you are sure to find them. Peer pressure is a wonderful thing.

Now if you truly do not like running, then perhaps find something you do enjoy. You have to enjoy it at least a little or you will get burned out.

dewd2

BTW - Are you following a plan to train for your half? You have plenty of time to work up to the distance but you really should be following a sound plan. If you are not you have a much higher risk of injury and lower chance of success.

Good luck.

ekruska802

Good luck with your half! It would be really good to get on a training plan so you can get in enough long runs so you'll be ready.

Cathscottage

Try and stick to your goal and keep training. Or do what the other person suggested join a local running group. It is hard to train day in and day out on your own all the time.

Phrick

Second a running group - look for a local Moms Run This Town (MRTT) chapter in your area, you can look up by zip code at this link http://momsrunthistown.com/local-running-club/

MRTT is the best, most supportive, awesome group of women that I have ever stumbled across. I loved running before but running with others is a thousand times nicer.

MtnGirl38

When the fun is gone, it's time to take a little break. You know, time away makes the heart grow fonder.....lol. Usually after a few days away, I NEED to run. This time of year can be hard with the weather and all the stresses that come along with the season. I get it.

I agree with following a training program for your half. I used Hal Higdon's 12 week program when I trained for mine. He has different levels depending on your base so if you're already running you will have time to build up to it. Some days are only a couple miles, some longer and it's intermingled with xtraining days which help break up the monotony. I ALWAYS saved my long runs for my days off when I could sleep in, eat, and mentally get ready for it. It's free online if you google Hal Higdon.

You can do it. Stay focused but don't overwhelm yourself and get injured. It's perfectly fine to walk/jog. However you do it, it's still 13.1 miles and a huge accomplishment!

ThickMcRunFast

At only 6 miles a week, a run streak would just be asking for injury/burnout. You need to get those miles up, and get on a plan. Even a novice half plan will start you out with something like 10 miles per week. Not that you can't get up to a half by March, but you have to start getting the miles in.

My advice would be to set a schedule. Make that the consistency you aim for. Run at least 3 times a week. You're going to have to start doing a long run. Don't worry about doing any sort of speed work for now. With only 6 miles a week, you're not going to have the musculature built up to support it, and you won't see much gain from it (plus you will increase your injury risk). At this point, slowly building your mileage is what you want to do. Then start a 12 week half marathon plan.