Sharing the Run Love

I am always trying to pass the joy of running (or tri-ing) onto others by encouraging them to run, bike, etc. Jason, I think, gets the blunt of my running talk and before he knew me he was staying active by drinking playing kickball. Since meeting each other he has ran a several 8ks, 10 milers, and a half marathon! Now, he still may not hold that special place in his heart for running like I do, but he has thanked me many times for helping motivated him. He recently thanked me for getting him into cycling, which made me feel so good :)

 

I try to talk just about everyone I know into running or tri-ing and tell them how good it feels when you cross the finish line a race.

 

I usually here stuff like this:

 

I don't have the time

Ummm... I don't think anyone really ever has time to do anything and it's an easy excuse. Time management is key and if you really want to do something, then you can always make time for that activity. It may mean that you have to get up an hour early or give up your hour lunch to go for a run instead. I think being a gymnast for so many years and practicing 20 hours a week while going to school really helped me joggle all that life throws at you. I actually like the challenge of trying to fit everything into one day.

 

I am not in shape

When I first started running I had never ran more than 2 miles and thought of running 26.2 just seemed ridiculous. It's never easy doing something for the first time, but the first step is really just putting yourself out there and trying. This may mean that you run for 1 minute and walk for 4 minutes and repeat for 20 minutes. And guess what? There is nothing wrong with doing that! As your fitness level improves, you can increase your run time and decease your walk time.

 

It's boring

I'll admit that running by yourself can be boring something, but it is also the best time to do all your thinking. And if doing things on your own isn't your thing and you need a little help with motivation the best thing to do is to join a running group! Most running groups have people running at all paces. I think that group running makes running social instead of an "OMG I have to run, what a drag." Plus surrounding yourself with other people who have similar interests and goals is very motivating.

 

Anyhow, this past weekend I had the chance to pass on my running joy to all of my nieces! Sharing is caring, right?? So, why not spread the running love to your family? My Dad acted as the finish line as we all lined up to run the 100 yard, ok maybe more like 50 yard, dash. It was so cute to see the girls run and they were having so much fun. And watch out for my niece, Grace, she is one fast chicky at 7 years old.

How do you get others involved in something you love?

Happy Thuesday All :)