What keeps you running?

AmberJslimsAWAY
AmberJslimsAWAY Posts: 2,339 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
When you first started (or maybe now) what kept you from slowing your run to a walk when you got tired? What did you think about?

Honestly, I listen to music, and then I think about each time my foot hits the ground and my love handles jiggle. IDK why, not like a grossed out, "eww I don't want them to do that" (even though I don't) I just think about the feeling of my foot hitting the ground and sending a jolt through my body and it generally keeps me going for longer.

You?
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Replies

  • spotdog14
    spotdog14 Posts: 42
    The first mile is always the worse for me, and I just think to my self its only going to hurt for another few feet.
  • BAMFMeredith
    BAMFMeredith Posts: 2,810 Member
    Telling myself "one more minute" over and over again...which later turned into "one more mile"--that ones not so "over and over" again yet, but it usually pushes me to at least keep going for another mile!
  • AmberJslimsAWAY
    AmberJslimsAWAY Posts: 2,339 Member
    It also helps me to talk to my dog as if she's the one that's getting tired. lol "come on, just a little further, you got this"
  • shabaity
    shabaity Posts: 792 Member
    music and oddly enough counting but that may be the band geek in me god help me if i ever hear someone clapping out a rythm id stop running correctly and jazz run (hits on toes great for no upper body movement bad for feet)
  • TKHappy
    TKHappy Posts: 659 Member
    Call me crazy but every run I pretend I'm racing, I have this crazy little coach in my head telling me I can do better!! Beating myself and proving things to myself is what keeps me going....oh and that runners high is fabulous after! :)
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
    I log it into MFP BEFORE I go (and yes, I account for the fact that MFP way overestimates calories burned). Then I feel like I have to do it or it'll throw off my predetermined schedule.

    Also, my body looked killer last time I was running seriously. I want to get back there!
  • FireBrand80
    FireBrand80 Posts: 378 Member
    bears
  • corn63
    corn63 Posts: 1,580 Member
    Law enforcement.



    ....Dog the Bounty Hunter.
  • brandyk77
    brandyk77 Posts: 605 Member
    Goals and a great support group. I belong to a run club and often run with my peeps. It is a matter if I am running, just when.
  • thebigcb
    thebigcb Posts: 2,210 Member
    Trying to get home

    I always run away from my house, so matter how tired I am, I have two choices, walk or run.

    So I end up running, as if I stopped and started walking I'd look like some mental person out walking in shorts in the rain
  • JoolieW68
    JoolieW68 Posts: 1,879 Member
    Two things:

    1 - I keep repeating the phrase "I don't stop when I'm tired I stop when I'm done"
    2 - I pretend a friend of mine, who has always been very encouraging, is running with me, and I don't want to slow him down.
  • ShellyShuey
    ShellyShuey Posts: 162
    There will be an amazing day when you think -- wait a minute -- NOTHING and I mean nothing is jiggling. Happened to me/amazed.

    I run twice as far and twice as long when I don't use music/earphones. No idea why.

    It's not the only workout I do, and not my favorite, but it gets the job done.
  • myth4ever
    myth4ever Posts: 372
    police and dogs......oh police dogs all out sprint!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • LeenaRuns
    LeenaRuns Posts: 1,309 Member
    I have a guy that I'm completely smitten by. I tell him I'm going to go run 10 miles--you'd better believe that I'm going to complete those 10 miles. I guess I'm still in the trying to impress stage. LOL
  • workoutgirl23
    workoutgirl23 Posts: 267
    i listen to loud music while i run. using my ipod. i listen to very loud, angry music, and it keeps me motivated to keep running and push out all my aggressions on the running. i couldn't run with out my music as well.
  • erxkeel
    erxkeel Posts: 553 Member
    The Dinosaur chasing me.... In my head.
  • Loulady
    Loulady Posts: 511 Member
    Music, and now "Fat kid can do this. Fat kid can do this. Fat kid can do this..."

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsXRj89cWa0
  • _Elemenopee_
    _Elemenopee_ Posts: 2,665 Member
    the voices
  • elainecroft
    elainecroft Posts: 595 Member
    Counting - I used to be on a rowing team, and whenever we were getting tired or reaching the end we would do a "Power 10" or "Power 20" strokes. It translates to about a "Power 50" or "Power 100" steps. For some reason having an end goal in sight helps me (even if I just start counting again when I get to 100 :)
  • bluefox9er
    bluefox9er Posts: 2,917 Member
    I imagine I am in first place of a marathon race and someone dressed up in a Ronald McDonald fancy dress costume is about to overtake me...
  • cruiseking
    cruiseking Posts: 338 Member
    The first mile for me is painful. But I know from experience that the endorphins will kick in around the mile mark. Must have some good kicking music also.
  • Illona88
    Illona88 Posts: 903 Member
    I can't run now, because of an injury, but when we had to run laps in school I always pretended I was being chased by a lion to keep running.

    But I think you just need to think about why you are running and keep that motivation and your goal clear in your head.
    Also do make sure you stop before you are really in pain. Pain is an indicator, not something to ignore.
  • phillieschic
    phillieschic Posts: 615
    The new size 6 and small clothes in my closet...
  • Spitbubblr
    Spitbubblr Posts: 54
    I used to stop every minute, but now I have a playlist of songs that mean a lot to me and keep running for the moments they remind me of. It sounds stupid, but it really helps. And it gets comfortable after ten minutes, so I just push through that. You can do it, just stay positive <3
  • sodaisy
    sodaisy Posts: 69 Member
    I keep telling myself the pain/ache isn't going to get any worst so just stick with it and carry on. Also I think about the food I had during the day and this make me want to run it off.
  • ggcat
    ggcat Posts: 313 Member
    Two things:

    1 - I keep repeating the phrase "I don't stop when I'm tired I stop when I'm done"
    2 - I pretend a friend of mine, who has always been very encouraging, is running with me, and I don't want to slow him down.

    Seriously, me too!!! lol
  • BAMFMeredith
    BAMFMeredith Posts: 2,810 Member
    It also helps me to talk to my dog as if she's the one that's getting tired. lol "come on, just a little further, you got this"

    Haha mine stops after like 10 minutes, lays down, and just looks at me like "I'm not doing this anymore, you're on your own *kitten*."
  • FrugalMomsRock75
    FrugalMomsRock75 Posts: 698 Member
    The feeling that I know is coming at the end of a great run. :) I am new to running, but I'm loving it. This week, for the first time, I was able to run for 30 minutes straight (well, it was 29:39), and it felt awesome.

    I give myself a few talks along the way (just a little longer. You're killing it. stuff like that), but mostly I just enjoy my music and my run.
  • kater8er
    kater8er Posts: 364 Member
    My playlist! Upbeat remixes and club music! Lately, it's been a total coincidence each time, because I put the playlist on shuffle every time I use it, but that Bassnectar remix of "Lights" comes on when I get to the point of "oh dear, this is starting to suck"...And that's seemed to work haha.
  • Nich0le
    Nich0le Posts: 2,906 Member
    The first mile is always the worse for me, and I just think to my self its only going to hurt for another few feet.

    Oh ya, the first mile is the hardest, before everything gets all loose and flowing.
    What keeps me going is different depending on if I'm inside or outside. On the treadmill I listen to cardio coach, he keeps me going through intervals with very little talking, just easy prompts to get me moving. I also have to remind myself on the treadmill that it's temporary and soon I will be outside for the next 7-8 months enjoying all outside has to offer.
    If I'm outside I listen to no music and I set visual goals and work toward getting a little further each time. I love love love the way I feel when I'm done, even on days that I feel like I'm gonna barf from pushing it!

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