Volunteer at the 29th anniversary of the 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour! Individuals, groups, and companies can be part of this beloved Austin event.
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What you count as fun while running can be subjective. Maybe you need to leave the GPS behind and just enjoy the scenery, or maybe you need to try running in a group.
If you’re a runner, you know that sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated. Especially when the weather is bad or you’re just not feeling it. But don’t give up! There are plenty of ways to make running more fun, so you’ll be more likely to stick with it. Here are a few tips:
1. Run Together With Friends
Maybe a friend or a neighbor also goes running regularly, and wouldn’t mind joining you on your runs. You can join a training program as well, where you can find new running buddies. Running together with people that have similar goals and being a part of a larger running community can be fun.
Consider developing a hangout for your running buddies. You can decide to meet at a local area after your runs, so you can relax and hang out. You may also decide to meet for breakfast. Turning your daily run into a social event can help you enjoy it even more.
2. Sign Up for A Running Event
Running events like the 3M Half Marathon or the Austin Marathon are a fantastic way to bring some joy to running. Not only can you meet new people with a shared hobby, but you’ll also get to experience your own city (or destination cities all over the world) in a brand new way.
3. Change Your Routine Running the same route every day can get tedious. Instead, why not change up your routine, to make running more fun? Maybe you’re more interested in social runs, or you may prefer running alone. From time to time, switch up how you go running.
Run in different places, maybe even in the woods when you have time. Eventually, running the same route can start to feel stale. But consider also that you can explore new places while you run, which can make your daily runs a lot more fun.
Another way to change up your routine is to go running at different times of the day. If you usually go running in the mornings, then try going for a run after work.
4. Help Others Through Running
Some people need the help of a goal to start running regularly. This provides them with a sense of purpose. Consider running for charity or to raise funds. You can align yourself with your favorite organization, and the proceeds you raise from running will go to your chosen organization.
A fun way to dip your toe into this is by volunteering at a local running event. These events run on help from those in the community, and you’ll be doing a great service to your fellow runners which always feels good.
5. Gamify Your Run
You can download and have fun using running apps, and there are plenty to choose from. You can use apps to measure the number of miles you’ve run. You can also build a training log for yourself, and even keep track of your friends. Running apps can provide you with motivation and also turn running into a social event.
6. Pay Attention to Your Body
The most important thing while running is to listen to what your body is trying to say to you. Don’t compare yourself to others who run more than you, or those who train hard every day. You need to run in a way that suits you. When you nurture your needs and take care of yourself, all your runs will turn out to be more fun for you.
So, get out there and have some fun! Sign up for a race or two with your friends. Join a running club. Listen to your body and back off when you need to. And most importantly, remember that running is supposed to be enjoyable – so enjoy it!
When you wake up and put on your running shoes, what is that one thing that motivates you to go outside? Besides the obvious desire for fitness, the Earth herself can be a tremendous motivation in all her natural beauty during our daily runs through parks or fields of flowers- it’s simply amazing!
The fresh breeze blowing through your hair and the vast expanse of greenery are just some things that make running in nature so much more enjoyable. The Earth is beautiful and deserves to be appreciated for all its natural wonders.
You can do your part in helping protect Earth by making small changes that will improve the environment, and together we can help make every day Earth Day.
Soles4Souls donates old sneakers to people in need
Recycle or Donate your old gear and running shoes:
Every time you purchase new running gear and shoes, think about recycling or donating your previous attire instead of dumping it in the garbage. There are numerous methods for recycling shoes. Take them to your local Goodwill or homeless shelter. Many companies now have recycling and reuse programs for athletic equipment and shoes. You can look up relevant locations and offer your equipment for recycling.
Girlfriend Collective Compression Run Short
Make purchases from eco-friendly brands:
Today, no matter what you wish to buy, you will have an infinite number of vendors to choose from. If you are committed to making the planet a healthier, cleaner, and better place, make the right option when deciding on your running gear. Currently, there are many brands like Brooks, Girlfriend Collective and Allbirds that create a wide variety of products from recycled materials and sustainable methods.
Under Armour Playmaker Water Jug
Take a refillable water bottle from home:
Plastic pollution is a big threat that the Earth is dealing with. If you carry around disposable plastic bottles to relieve your thirst while burning calories, a reusable and refillable water bottle would be a better solution. You may lessen your carbon impact on the earth in this manner.
Ensure that you run on a clean track:
The simplest way you can contribute to the conservation of planet Earth is by keeping it clean. So, if you are running down a route and come across a few wrappers or cans, you know what to do. Simply pick them up and toss them in a nearby trash can.
These were a few tips to help you take care of the environment while taking care of your body. Follow them and inspire others to join you in making the Earth a greener and more pleasant place to live in.
Giving birth to a baby is like no other experience in this world. It is highly gratifying to nurture a life inside you and then bring them into this world. Returning to running after pregnancy will require consideration of the demand your body has been through both emotionally and physically.
On the other, pregnancy also takes a heavy toll on you both physically and emotionally. The period that immediately follows childbirth (postpartum) can be equally taxing. Sliding back to normalcy and getting back into your previous running routine may take some time.
Luckily, we’re here with some tips that may help get you back to training for a half marathon sooner than you think.
Start slowly & be realistic
Whether you are deciding to start training during pregnancy or after childbirth, the first thing you should do is discuss your plan with your doctor. For hassle-free pregnancies, your doctor may recommend weekly strength training or aerobic exercises. During the pregnancy/postpartum period, your body undergoes a lot of cardiovascular changes, resulting in more oxygen circulating through the body. This means your body is functioning more efficiently and you can use that to your advantage.
However, whether during pregnancy or postpartum it is important to keep the intensity level of your exercise in mind. When starting a post-baby workout, you’ll want to consider a few things: your level of activity before and during pregnancy, the type of delivery you had, and your overall health condition, both physical and mental. It is recommended you do not go into overdrive with your training schedule post-delivery.
Brace yourself up for hormonal changes
The increased release of the hormone relaxin during pregnancy (and also while breastfeeding) results in the pelvic floor becoming more relaxed. This, in turn, may also impact your ligaments and joints while running, increasing the chances of injury. It is, therefore, advisable to start with low-impact aerobic exercises followed by strength training. These will help strengthen your muscles and prep you for a better training regimen in the future.
Eat a nutrition-rich diet
Try to incorporate food items that are rich in iron, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin B, and D. These will help your body recover faster from both pregnancy and running. Iron and electrolytes are especially helpful in avoiding dehydration, and if you are breastfeeding they also help prevent a drop in breastmilk production. Here are some healthy and easy breakfast ideas that fit the bill, try them out!
Pay attention to your feet
Your earlier training shoes may not fit you anymore as you may have experienced swelling in your feet, and unfortunately in some cases, your feet will be permanently bigger. Consult a professional for an appropriate shoe size for your feet.
Do not carry your baby on the same side of your body
Make it a point to switch sides while holding your baby. Otherwise, when you start intensifying your exercise after delivery your lower back muscles may soon give up on you. This may lead to immense pain and suffering down the hip and the leg of the side you are most used to carrying your child on.
Run with your baby
Babies are usually able to handle a running stroller around 6-9 months of age. Once the baby’s doctor says it’s safe; by all means, you should take your baby with you while you are running! This is a great way to bond with your new child. Just be sure to buckle them in safely according to the standards of your running stroller. Head here for some helpful tips about running with a stroller.
Manage your load
Before you start preparing for the marathon, walk for 30 minutes without any discomfort. Once you are comfortably walking at this pace and time increment for a few weeks you can then start slowly running. You may begin at low weekly mileage and then move up slowly. You may gradually increase your speed too once your pelvic and leg muscles are strong enough to absorb the load.
By following the above guidelines, you will find yourself back to a normal training routine in no time. Just remember not to push yourself too hard; listen to your body, start slow, and stay hydrated. Through a healthy and productive training regimen, you’ll be back running a marathon in no time.
Taking the next step: how to transition from walking to running
If you’re a casual walker looking to intensify your exercise, you should give running a try. It can burn more calories, strengthen your heart, and lower your cholesterol levels. Running can also reduce stress levels and lead to developing a healthier lifestyle. Most importantly, running nourishes your mind and soul by helping you clear your head and find peace within yourself. But how do you even begin to transition from walking to running? Our advice below will get you on the right path, the path to completing your first half marathon! This is a journey that will take time. Just remember, you’re not alone on your journey! We’re here to help you transition from walking to running. Here’s an excellent playlist for your journey!
Running gear
Your transition from walking to running may not be as difficult as you think. Make sure you have a pair of comfortable running shoes. You can extend the life of your running shoes (and save money) by only running in them. Proper fitting running shoes can also help prevent painful shin splints. Here are 7 more tips to avoid shin splints and keep your transition from walking to running on track! Wear workout gear that allows you to move freely, is lightweight, and wicks sweat. Keep a water bottle nearby to stay hydrated and replenish lost fluids. We’re fans of nuun hydration and their tablets. It’s easy to carry and help replace lost electrolytes.
Begin your journey from walking to running
Let’s assume you walk four or five days every week and want to begin running. That’s a great start! Even if you don’t walk that much, the steps below will help you during your transition from walking to running. Pro tip: you can always take breaks in between if you are out of breath or feel exhausted.
Weeks 1-3
Develop an exercise schedule if you don’t currently have one. The goal is to become more comfortable being on your feet for extended periods of time.
- First week – walk 30 minutes/day for four days
- Second week – walk 40 minutes/day for four days
- Third week – walk 50 minutes/day for four days
Weeks 4-6
Now it’s time to crank it up a bit! But don’t get too excited just yet. You want to slowly incorporate jogging into your schedule.
- Fourth week – 10-minute warm-up walk, alternate 30-second light jog/4-minute walk for 15 minutes, 5-minute cool down walk
- Fifth week – 10-minute warm-up walk, alternate 1-minute light jog/4-minute walk for 20 minutes, 5-minute cool down walk
- Sixth week – 10-minute warm-up walk, alternate 2-minute light jog/3-minute walk for 25 minutes, 5-minute cool down walk
Week 7
When you feel comfortable with this routine, increase your jogging intervals and decrease your walking intervals as you see fit. Set a goal for yourself before you begin. Feel free to pick up the pace during your jog if it feels good. If you feel overwhelmed or exhausted, cut back the time.
- Seventh week – 5-minute warm-up walk, alternate 3-minute jog/2-minute walk for 25 minutes, 5-minute cool down walk
Week 8
If you continue to feel comfortable, extend the duration of your intervals as you see fit. Alternate your jog and walking like previous routines. Continue to set small goals to reach. Feel free to pick up the pace during your jog if it feels good. If you feel overwhelmed or exhausted, cut back the time.
- Eighth week – 5-minute warm-up walk, alternate 5-minute jog/1-minute walk for 30 minutes, 5-minute cool down walk
You did it!
By now, jogging for longer periods of time should become more and more comfortable. Congratulations, you’ve made the transition from walking to running! Continue to extend your jogging time. Maybe even quicken your stride and break into slow runs. You’ll eventually eliminate the walking portion of your intervals. When you feel comfortable running for 30-40 minutes, it’s time to sign up for your first half marathon! Do you have advice for someone who wants to graduate from walking to running? Let us know in the 3M Half Marathon Facebook Group or on Twitter.
