I'm (Not) A Runner

by Marc A.

OK, now that I have your attention, let me explain.

When I say that I’m not a runner, I mean it in two ways.

The first is the most obvious. I don’t run very well. I don’t run for pleasure. In fact, in a lot of ways I don’t particularly care for running. Often I just feel like it’s the mean to an end. I want to lose weight and running will get me there. It’s simple to do, just put one foot in front of the other. There’s no equipment needed except for a pair of sneakers, and if you ask some runners, even those are optional.

But then I think about all the races I’ve done, all the dedication it takes to do them, the preparation, the mental and physical strength and I find myself thinking that deep down, maybe I am a runner. I could have chosen any other thing to pursue. I could have bought a bike and pedaled about but I CHOSE to run. I guess what makes me feel like I’m not a runner is the fact that I’m not in shape. I’m an obese guy trying to be a part of a sport of skinny people. While they’re cruising at gazelle pace, I’m moving at the speed of a turtle. I don’t run for pleasure because I spend too much time huffing and puffing. I’m not at the point of a runner’s high yet because I’m too busy trying to keep my heart from beating out of my chest.

But we all start somewhere and I know somewhere inside, I like running. I wouldn’t have run as many races as I have or even considered doing a 26.2 mile marathon if I didn’t. I see myself really enjoying it in the future. This thing I “hate” will help me get me in the shape I love and then I’ll love it. I want to be at that point where I run for fun. That is when I’ll consider myself a runner. I feel like I’m heading, slowly but surely,  towards being an athlete but a long way from being a runner.

The second way I mean I’m not a runner is because I’m more of a run/walker and honestly, I like that. It works for me. Steady state just seems long and boring plus its hard to run at the exact same speed for 30 minutes. Whenever I read about running at this pace, in my mind I’m like how do you just know that pace without any type of measuring device? Most of the time I just use the breath test. Easy = able to have a conversation, Medium = Able to talk in spurts, Hard = barely able to get a word out.

I like run/walking because it makes the time go by. 2 minutes running, 1 minute walking or 3 minutes running, 1 minute walking, then repeat until you’re done. Some call it interval training too but I prefer to use that term for more intense intervals like during speed drills but for overall workouts or long runs, it’s just a run/walk. It took a long time for me not to feel like walking regularly during my run wasn’t giving up but it’s not. It’s all about pacing and pacing yourself. As long as your run isn’t too fast and your walk isn’t too slow, it all manages to work itself out.

So as you see, I’m not a runner…but then again, maybe I am… 

Marc A. is the editor and founder of the health and wellness blog, Dr. Marctagon™, and he also runs a tech company and blog, Marctagon™ IT where he offers his consulting services and discusses the latest news, productivity tools and technology for homes and small businesses.

But I Want to Stop! Ways to Stay Motivated While Running

by Marc A.

I was posed a question last night. To paraphrase, the question went like so: "What should I be thinking about when I run? How do I stay motivated to keep running when it gets hard?" This proved to be quite an interesting question. You're always told how to react physiologically and how to prepare for a race or event but, most times, it's our minds that need the most work.

   So I decided to address this and outline several ways to keep yourself motivated during your runs; not motivating yourself to run but motivating yourself to keep going during a run when your mind is telling you to stop. I'm sure we've all had those moments, especially beginner runners. You're in the middle of a run and your mind just says "Man, screw this, I'm tired and hurting. Let's stop doing this and go home." or something like that. Your body feels like it's being punished and the only thing you want to do is make it stop even though there is no benefit in quitting.

Here are some ways to get around it:

1. Focus on success. It's tough to stay motivated when your mind is concentrating on how much you want to quit so give it something else to think about. Imagine yourself kicking butt in the race you're training for. Image crossing the start line, running with perfect form, not getting tired, feeling no pain, and finally crossing the finish line. If nothing else, it serves as a welcome distraction from your current thought process. Not only that but if you continue to do this during each run and even when you're not running, you'll find that the overall process of running becomes easier. You become a manifestation of your thoughts. Trust me it works!!

2. Think opposite. Your mind is concentrating on how hard it is. So think of the opposite. Don't think about how far you have to go. Think about how far you've come. Don't think of how tired and hurt you are. Think of how healthy and fit you're becoming. It's true what they say. Pain is weakness leaving the body. Now, let's not get it confused. By pain, I mean being sore and the typical pains that come with heavy exertion, not to be confused with injuries. Half full glass instead of half empty, it works in pretty much any scenario.

3. Take your mind to another place.  This one is easier if you're running outdoors. Absorb yourself in your surroundings. Tap into your senses: the smells, the sounds, the beauty of nature or the urban landscape or whatever it is around you. This not only keeps you from being distracted but it gives you the serenity of being in the moment. Being present is how you should always live life. If you're listening to music, sing to it. Change your pace to match it. Listen to audiobooks. That's a great way to kill 2 birds with one stone.

4. Find a mantra. This is perhaps one of the most useful ways to push yourself. Think of a quick motivational saying you've heard before or even make one up. For example, "You can do it!" or "You got this!" Both of these are excellent mantras and ways to get yourself moving and it also pairs wonderfully with method #1. My chosen personal mantras are "Run, fat boy, run!" and "This is nothing!". Try to avoid mantras that are distance/time related like "Almost there." or "Not much longer now." because if you're only 2 miles into a 10K, this might actually have the opposite effect because you're still fairly early in the run.

There are other ways to motivate yourself while running but these are some great mind games you can play with yourself to get you through but as always...

...run strong but be safe.

What are some ways you stay motivated during a run?


Marc A. is the editor and founder of the health and wellness blog, Dr. Marctagon™, and he also runs a tech company and blog, Marctagon™ IT where he offers his consulting services and discusses the latest news, productivity tools and technology for homes and small businesses.