Even though bathing suit weather has passed and the shorts and short skirts are going into storage, fall is still a great time to begin reaching your fitness goals. The cool weather makes those morning or evening runs and walks all the more pleasant. Wouldn’t we all love to have more energy, be healthier, and look and feel more attractive? I know I would. Which is exactly why I have decided this is going to be the fall I work very hard to get in shape. Forget waiting until January 1st. Maybe part of my personal reasoning is due to the fact that we have a company wide seminar that is taking place on a cruise in February 😉 or…maybe it’s just because I want to look like the chick in the picture below:
Either way I’m getting in shape and I’m excited! Starting a workout regiment can be daunting, but personally I often find that most of my fear is mental. Luckily there are many helpful plans that can ease the process from going to drop dead lazy to energetic runner. Several plans exist on the internet to help just about anyone become a runner, no matter what their experience and fitness level. I am currently working on this one. It’s called Super Skinny Me. Yes, please. Day three and so far so good. I’ll keep you updated on my process.
Many plans such as the above one, offer a tiered program combining walking and running which recommend alternating the two for specified periods of time. For example, walk for three minutes and run for one during your first workout, and increase the running increments on a daily basis throughout a several-week workout until you can run for thirty minutes without stopping. The best thing about plan such as the one I mentioned is that you can work at a pace that works for you.
I have found some great tips to help keep you motivated and encourage you not to give up after day 5. The number 1 tip is to consider finding a friend who is at a similar fitness level as you, so you can push each other and hold one another accountable. Just give it a chance.
Some other tips include investing in a good pair of tennis shoes. You will be amazed at the difference this makes. Good music and eating right can also help you ease into running. And don’t forget to stretch to prevent injuries!
This fall, take that step you’ve been wanting to take and start running!
have fun running and enjoy your cruise! Good for you for your awesome fitness goals!
This is great! All good tips! I am a runner and I love to run! It is my favorite type of exercise and my personal time to keep sane and refresh my mind, body and spirit. I hope all goes well for you!
Yay! A fellow running partner! I used to run years ago (3-4 miles at a time) and fell out of it for 6 years. I just picked it back up again because of my clothes don't fit the way I want them to anymore, and I'm sick of seeing myself this way in the mirror. Agh! So I started doing the jog/walk thing September 1 and logged 40 miles during that month. I hope to increase it gradually so that I can run w/out stopping for 2 miles. Haven't lost any weight yet, but I know it'll come in time. At least I'm feeling tighter, more "balanced", and know that I'm doing something good for my entire body!
Thanks for the link, too. I'm headed over to check it out!
We CAN do this!!!!!
xoxo laurie
Thanks, Mindi! Any tips on getting past the hard points?
We CAN do this! Good luck to you Laurie!
Great post! I've committed this Fall to start working out more on a daily basis and running is one of the workouts. We must take care of our pretty bodies. Thank you for sharing this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see your prettiness again on Monday. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse