It seems I’m not the only one gets asked the "What Motivates" you question. Elaine was sent this message recently and wanted to share it here on Roni’s Weigh. I think it’s a fabulous question and I echo Elaine’s response.
Elaine,
I know you have been running a lot lately & you seem like you have been losing weight by your pictures. I would just like to know what motivates you to get out there & run? How do you do it? I need to get in better shape but I just can’t get motivated. Any advice would be great. Thanks!
Thank you for the compliment!!…honestly, the motivation for me comes through the desire to be a "runner." I get so many positive responses when I tell people, "oh, I ran 5 miles today." I also have a desire to finish a marathon and that doesn’t come easy so I tell myself that every mile i do now will make the marathon easier.
As for motivation, I used to hate running. I still do sometimes!!! While I’m running, I curse the world and wonder why the hell I would spend my time doing this..but when I’m done, I feel so PROUD, so STRONG!! It’s hard to explain…perhaps it’s runner’s high?? I don’t know!!
The first two miles are the hardest. By that, I mean, going from a walker to a runner…until you can run two miles, it’s really difficult. After that, bumping from 2 to 5, then 5 to 7, 7 to 10, etc, is really easy. Sounds weird, but trust me on it!! So, my suggestion would be to make a promise to yourself that you will learn to run two miles, no matter how much you hate it or don’t want to do it….then after you can do 2 miles without stopping, you can decide if it’s something you want to continue. If you absolutely hate it and know that it’s not for you, I bet you will still lose a lot of weight just in the process.
Also, I blog extensively about my running/weight loss journey at blogtolose.com….go there and search for Elaine. I love that community…connecting with other women has been a big deal for me in finding the motivation that I need.
I hope that helps. Feel free to send any more questions!!!
Love ya,
Elaine
Elaine – YOU are a total inspiration!!! And I agree with your running advice. For me it was the 5k (3 miles) once I did that, I knew I could do anything and going to 5, then 8 and now 10 has been much easier then I ever thought possible. It was the initial 3 that was the hardest by far!
The only thing I would add is speed. TOO many beginner runners, myself included, think you have to run fast to run. It’s totally not true. Find a pace you can maintain, if you have to stop to walk, walk as fast as you can until you catch your breath and then try to pick up a joggers pace again. You don’t have to run top speed to be a "runner". That seems to be the number 1 question I’m getting these days.
Thanks again Elaine and keep inspiring!!
By the way if you are looking for REAL motivation, check out Elaine’s photos on BlogToLose. She almost makes me wish I did bikini before and afters!
Note: I and Elaine are not doctors or trainers. The advice you are given here is just our opinions from experience. If you injure yourself or die of a heart attack while attempting to run don’t blame us, you should have talked to your doctor first. Everyone knows that. However, if you become an avid runner and lose 20lbs we take all the credit and expect you to let us know how wonderful we are. :~P
11 Responses to Elaine’s Running Motivation
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About Roni
Roni started this blog in '05 to journal her weight loss. 70lbs later, she's committed to living a conscious, healthy life and hopes to inspire others along the way. Read more on the about page.
LMAO!! I love the disclosure at the end! I echo you on the speed…once I realized that it was okay to run slowly, I was able to make significant progress. I try to follow the “talk test” during about 70% of my runs…run at a pace at which I can speak comfortably (but not sign). Again, it took awhile to get there, but it was so worth it. Now, I can run with my husband at a decent pace (10 minute miles) and hold a conversation…what a beautiful way to spend a day with my husband (or even random running friends, just getting to know new people). I can’t express it enough….everyone should be a runner!!!
Great response both of you!
S
Speed can come later! What’s more impressive… running 12 miles really slow or running 1 mile really fast?
Oh, and I’m completely suing you and Elaine… heck, all the runners on BLT who inspire me like Maren and Jason, when I die of a heart attack during my marathon!
Ok, well, I guess if I die I won’t be able to sue but you get the point!
For what it’s worth, pushing myself to run faster than I was comfortable with landed me with plantar faciitis in both feet! Listen to your body and do what you are comfortable with is great advice!
I love this running inspirational piece!!! I too was never a “runner” but now I proudly can say I am!!!Running has made me become more confident and more balanced. I love saying that I am a runner – it has a cool factor to life. In two weeks I am about to run my first 10K I can’t wait and then I am running in a relay for marathon. I am hoping that race will inspire me to run a half and then eventually a full marathon!!! It will add to my I know I am a “runner” list!!! Thanks Elaine and Roni for sharing your experiences. If you are a runner I would highly suggest getting the Nike + for your iPod. It has changed my life and running dramatically. To answer the many questions I get – No you do not need the Nike + shoes to go with it. Any shoe will do… just get the pouch for security.
I want to become a runner … I walk a lot (my new pedometer just pooped out on me!) But I have a hard time making the leap to running. Maybe this post (and another crappy WI) will push me to start while I’m on vacation this week.
Great post Roni. It almost makes me want to start running…
I am almost at the end of the “couch to 5K” program and plan to run a 5k at the end of April. Thanks Roni for all of the advice and inspiration!!! I AM (going to be) A RUNNER!!!!
I agree with Elaine – when I say I ran X miles and get positive comments, it’s nice. That’s not why I run, though. I don’t know if y’all feel this way or not, but to me, running the distances/time is very empowering. And it amazes me that I can run for 50-60 minutes on a treadmill and not think it’s that big of a deal – but then again, I worked up to it. (Also 3 months ago, I couldn’t fathom running for more than 30 minutes/3 miles at a time.) I started out slowly, too, as many others did. I would run to the next mailbox, then walk, then run again to the next corner, then walk, etc. It’s taken time, but I know I have put in the time and work to be able to do what I can do now!
I totally agree with you Elaine.I got a cardio package at Roland Semprie’s a gym in Toronto and I have really started to love running. I always thought I would never be a ‘runner’. But I think maybe…..I am! lol.
For me having a motivating and inspirational atmosphere really helps me reach my goals and that is exactly what I receive at Roland Semprie’s. If anyone is from the GTA you should totally look into Roland Semprie Rosedale