Motivational Running Tricks {Guest Post}

Looking to lose a few of those pounds you've gain over this fabulous holiday season?

 Is your New Year's resolution to take up running?

Then keep reading because today on the blog I have a guest post from the lovely Nicole, over at Running in Heels. Nicole is just the sweetest! I've really enjoy reading her blog, getting to know her, and sharing a passion for running. Although she is rooting for the Ducks during the Rose Bowl tonight, I still think she's awesome! Nicole is here today to share with us her motivational tricks to running.

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Hello there!

I'm Nicole, from Running in Heels 

Yes, that is me. But that's a little mis-leading. You see, I only look like that the once-every-few-weeks when I actually get ready. Most of the time, I look like this:

(on the far left)

and like this:

I'm a runner. And between being a future physical therapy student and running, I'm always found in those oh-so-fashionable running clothes. Which brings me to why I'm here. I'm so honored that Lisa asked me to hop on over and share some of my running motivation tricks with you all! Because let's face it, staying motivated to run in the Winter is hard, even for semi-seasoned runners like me.

So what do I do when it's cold, gloomy and all I want to do is curl up on the couch and drink coffee?

Well ladies, I suck it up, put my running clothes on, and run out the door before my brain convinces me otherwise. Honestly, it's that simple.

The hardest step for a runner is the first one out the front door

Running is a sport of endurance - both physically and mentally.

I always tell people that running a marathon is hard, mainly because you have 3+ hours of your mind telling you to stop while you're trying to convince it otherwise. It's a mind game, and building your mental endurance and motivation is just as important, if not more important, than building yourself up physically to run. If you aren't mentally strong enough, you'll never get that far. 

But there's another thing I do when it's cold and gloomy and I'm getting ready for a run. I bundle up. Nothing says Winter like getting the opportunity to bundle up with ear warmers, long spandex, gloves and drifit jackets. Running in the crisp, cool air during the Winter months is an amazing feeling. It's not humid, and actually very comfortable and refreshing once you get warmed up. There's nothing like breathing in that crisp, cold air. And besides, if you take the current temperature outside and add 20 degrees, that's the temperature it will feel like when you're running. So it's 30 degrees out? No problem! It will actually feel like 50 once you start your run.

In the end, it's all about your motivation to get out there and run. Yes, it looks miserable to venture out in the Winter months, but in reality it's not that bad. You just need to build up your mental endurance. One of the things I love about running is the opportunity to take part in my sport during every season of the year. Going out for my run allows me to sight-see and enjoy the look of my surroundings during all the different seasons. Think about it, how much of an experience would it be to run in the snow. How much FUN would it be. One of my favorite weather conditions to run in, believe it or not, is rain. It's a different feeling than running in the warm, sunny weather and sometimes it's nice to know that you are strong enough to run in any weather conditions.

One time a few years ago, while I was training for my marathon, it was quite literally hurricane weather. And if that wasn't bad enough, it was the day I had to run 17 miles. I got all dressed for my run, looked outside, and then sat on the couch. No way was I running in that weather. So I called my running-inspiration at the time. And you know what he told me? "Get out there and get your run in. Running in this weather will not only make you stronger, but it will boost your confidence." So guess what I did? I sucked it up and ran. And it was miserable. I was soaking wet, freezing cold, and getting blown off the sidewalk every 3 minutes. But I did it! And he was right - because if I could run 17 miles in that weather, I could most definitely run 26.2 miles in nice weather.

The last thing I'll leave you with is my most common reminder to myself, especially when the weather is not-so-running-friendly:

I'll always regret not going for a run, but I'll never regret going for a run. 

It stands true every time.

So get out there and run - no excuses!

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You hear that everyone? No excuses!

Thank you so much for this post Nicole! So motivational and true! Really makes me want to get on my running shoes and go out for a run!

Oh and if you watch the Rose Bowl tonight, I look forward to seeing Nicole running in her new Badger's tee after they win the game ;)

*Also, if you want to sponsor swap for January, email me asap :)