RUN!

Running. I don’t like it but I do it. It’s hard. Exhausting. Boring. Still, I do it. Why? Because I fell pretty darn good afterwards and I know that it’s a key part of my overall exercise strategy.

Step 1: Buy running shoes. They don’t have to be anything special. You aren’t a pro yet… Your feet will tell you when you need better shoes.

Step 2: As Nike says… “Just Do It.” No need to ease into it… step out the door and start running.

Step 3: Set goals. My goal was to run a race every month. I ran my very first 5k (3.1 miles) on New Year’s Day in 20 degree weather. More on this later.

Step 4: Track it. Use an app like RunKeeper or Nike+ Running to track your runs. They’ll map your run, track your time & distance and spit out all sorts of interesting stats about your activity.

Step 5: Stick with it. It took me quite a while to warm up to the idea of being a runner. I still have my doubts from time to time and I don’t outwardly identify myself as a runner, but I keep going back for more. It’s worth it.

Why race? Registering for a race locks you in. You paid for it. Wrote it on the calendar. And now you have to train for it. There are SO many race events throughout the year that sometimes it can be difficult to choose an event. 5k, 10k, half-marathon, marathon… Fun run, glow run, zombie run… Race entry generally goes for $25-50. Sign up for one – walk it, jog it, run it – you’ll be glad you did.