3 ms·

I don't really like going to the gym, but I love running outside. There are a few things that keep me going: 1. I keep in mind that I have never regretted goin

I don't really like going to the gym, but I love running outside. There are a few things that keep me going: 1. I keep in mind that I have never regretted going for a run. 2. A few times a week, I run with friends in a training group. When someone expects to see me there, I am much more likely to go. 3. I keep a training log. I mark completed days with a green dot (even rest days), and missed workouts with a red dot. 4. I read about running. It's inspiring to hear others' stories. 5. I sign up for races. If a race is coming up, I know I can't brush off workouts. I started running again a couple years ago after about 8 years of not working out. It was difficult and painful for a couple months, but it got easier and more fun. I do have to sacrifice some family time, but I want my son to see me having a fit lifestyle. Sometimes, I'll bring him along in a stoller.

wazoox 15y ago
Ditto, except for the group run thing or races. I run twice or thrice a year with my brother in law, but as a true misanthropic geek I simply prefer being on my own as much as possible :) I started running 5 years ago, and once I've got the habit to put on running clothes every morning, it's really quite easy.
sliverstorm 15y ago
I actually have a lot of trouble running outside. You see, I can't pace myself for sh*t, so I always wind up running at like a 6-minute-mile pace no matter what shape I'm in or how far I'm going. I've discovered treadmills are useful in that regard.
- lancefisher 15y ago
  Pacing can be difficult. On a hard workout, I find I can go out way too fast. I wear a Garmin watch that lets me monitor my pace and adjust it. Some of the people I run with are really good at setting a pace, so I'll follow them. Getting a feel for setting the pace just takes some practice.
  - llimllib 15y ago
    It may also be worthwhile to go to the track and practice a pace. After you run 100 laps at a certain speed, it's easier to find that speed again.
    - jasonshen 15y ago
      I use Runkeeper for my iPhone. There's this great belt you can buy that holsters it (Spibelt), can't even feel it there. Coaching on how fast you're going every half mile. You can calibrate pretty quickly.

wazoox 15y ago

Ditto, except for the group run thing or races. I run twice or thrice a year with my brother in law, but as a true misanthropic geek I simply prefer being on my own as much as possible :) I started running 5 years ago, and once I've got the habit to put on running clothes every morning, it's really quite easy.

sliverstorm 15y ago

I actually have a lot of trouble running outside. You see, I can't pace myself for sh*t, so I always wind up running at like a 6-minute-mile pace no matter what shape I'm in or how far I'm going. I've discovered treadmills are useful in that regard.

lancefisher 15y ago
Pacing can be difficult. On a hard workout, I find I can go out way too fast. I wear a Garmin watch that lets me monitor my pace and adjust it. Some of the people I run with are really good at setting a pace, so I'll follow them. Getting a feel for setting the pace just takes some practice.
- llimllib 15y ago
  It may also be worthwhile to go to the track and practice a pace. After you run 100 laps at a certain speed, it's easier to find that speed again.
  - jasonshen 15y ago
    I use Runkeeper for my iPhone. There's this great belt you can buy that holsters it (Spibelt), can't even feel it there. Coaching on how fast you're going every half mile. You can calibrate pretty quickly.