6 ways to make running actually fun

Copied from my old blog:

Hey!

I was a runner once--back in high school before I discovered the deliciousness of Little Debbies and the comfiness of my own bed. I used to be a lot more active than I am not, but that's going to change! I've got a fire burning and I am ready to get back out there and start again.

I was reading some articles about how to get back into the fitness routine and stumbled across this amazing one by HerCampus.com. I wanted to share it with you all along with my own personality and twist.

1. Run in a race

Scheduling races can really be a true motivator. Sky and I are planning on running some fun runs in the spring and summer when the weather actually starts warming up again and just knowing that I am going to be in those races is giving me motivation to hit up the gym now. Plus, races are fun--running in a huge crowd of people can be a lot more exhilarating than running on the road by yourself.

2. Run for a reward

Whatever you want you can run for it. If you're the type of person who needs a bribe then do it! No one is going to hold you back form telling yourself, "if I finish these three miles I can buy that top I wanted from Charlotte Russe." Candy, clothes, movies, etc. Anything will do as long as it makes running fun and motivating.

3. Run outside

I absolutely HATE treadmills! In the winter when I basically have no other choice I will hunker down and just do it. But running outside is so much better. Outside you have things to look at, places to aspire to, and things happening around you that can become a great running distraction, while in the gym all you have is the same walls, in the same place, with everyone doing the same things.

4. Run with a killer playlist

Music can be your best friend. I know that there's a lot of people out there who say music doesn't work for them, but my suggestions is always to try another song. According to some research, songs with 140-160 BPM (beats per minute) are idea--personally, I like any song with a drop! Having a drop in a song gets your blood pumping and pushes you to pick up those feet.

5. Run with apps

Sky has been loving the myFitnessPal app, I used to be pretty obsessed with my Up Band and it's corresponding app, and I know that RunKeeper is an amazing tool to use, so all of these applications are out there for you to download and use. Sometimes having a person to motivate you just doesn't cut it and I like making myself responsible for my workouts by logging them on an app.

6. Run with something else on your mind

ANYTHING ELSE BESIDES THE SOUND OF YOUR BREATH. That's what I think about every time I go out for a run. Hearing my breath only makes me freak out and realize that running just sucks, but if I have a mental task to complete like planning my day tomorrow or just walking my brain through the steps of how I am going to make dinner will make running that much more fun for me.

I hope that some of these interesting tips can be helpful for you too! I can't wait to really get back into shape and run as much as I want to. 

If you liked these tips please don't forget to share this post with all of your friends. And check back in a couple days for more on Danyzell's Blog!