Secrets of Success

Buddy System

Have more than one running buddy. One for home, work, early mornings, long distance, etc. That way there is always someone available and it mixes things up. It also helps with accountability for both buddies.

I take Criticism as Motivation

Every time my husband, close family members or friends criticise my fat gain, I do not get disappointed; instead, their comment increases my willpower. I take it as a challenge and run 15 minutes extra on the treadmill. I have been able to increase my stamina and strength for the workouts this way.

I take Criticism as Motivation

Every time my husband, close family members or friends criticise my fat gain, I do not get disappointed; instead, their comment increases my willpower. I take it as a challenge and run 15 minutes extra on the treadmill. I have been able to increase my stamina and strength for the workouts this way.

Read even the Healthy Food ingredient lists, SNEAKY Food industry!

Be sure to read all packaged food labels. The food industry is sneaky with the chemicals and word replacements. Soy and sugar replacements seem to be in everything!

Even the healthiest “packaged” foods can shock you. READ every label. The food industry can be SNEAKY!!

http://www.s
parkpeople.com/mypage_pu
blic_journal_individual.
asp?blog_id=5336039
<
br>See what i mean in my blog!! Green Tea Antioxidant Natural but it has "STEVIA" in it! Unacceptable.

Read even the Healthy Food ingredient lists, SNEAKY Food industry!

Be sure to read all packaged food labels. The food industry is sneaky with the chemicals and word replacements. Soy and sugar replacements seem to be in everything!

Even the healthiest “packaged” foods can shock you. READ every label. The food industry can be SNEAKY!!

http://www.s
parkpeople.com/mypage_pu
blic_journal_individual.
asp?blog_id=5336039
<
br>See what i mean in my blog!! Green Tea Antioxidant Natural but it has "STEVIA" in it! Unacceptable.

Have things to work up to

I schedule different runs (10k, 5k, and hopefully a half-marathon this fall!) to always have something on my horizon to work towards.

Vision Board & GOALS

I "vision collaged" my back of the door mirror, this way I "SEE" it all the time!!! Everyday, sometimes several times a day! Foods, Exercises, Physically fit bodies, places I want to go and things I want to do!! Anything that is something to strive for or look forward to I put it on the edge of that mirror. SO when I do that one last check in the mirror before I sweep out the door I know what I want in LIFE!!! EVerything I want to live for is there: Prayer, Familiy, Friends.Healthy Lifestyle!

Running during the winter

Running in reasonably cold weather helps me stay on track for my upcoming winter 5k & 10k events. Despite the cold, I love observing the ever-changing scenery and the brisk air while running outdoors. The treadmill has its place... its a back up for seriously inclement weather. As long as the ground is dry, I am willing to run in the cold.

Off the couch, on the floor..

Determined to stay off the couch in the evening after a long day and exercise, I found if I sit on the floor I end up doing all my Calisthenics, yoga poses and stretching, while hanging with hubby and enjoying our tv show.

Goal Setting for motivation, planning, actions & SUCCESS!

Set Monthly goals in Micro, Mini, Medium & Major. Blog these at the end of the month for the following month then adjust "other goals" for tracking, accountability & celebrating!! If you are a list person, this works!! Spark Streaks can be set to support each months goals. Micro & Mini goals tend to be the building blocks to medium/major goals. This way you don't get over whelmed or miss steps. You set up your training and prep. My monthly blogs are helping me!! Check them out!

How to keep running

When I'm running and I really want to break down and walk- I visualize myself as a hardcore athlete and what my body will look like if I keep running- it actually works!!

Run Downhill

If you are having trouble starting a running routine and live in the mountains, start by running downhill. It can increase your confidence and make you stick with the workout long term.

Just walk or 10 minutes...

Seriously this works every time. If I just don't feel like hitting the GYM I tell myself, "I'm just going to walk or do 10 minutes". Toss on your work out clothes and shoes & go out the door. I hit the gym and I am always excited that I pull through and do an amazing workout/run. I am NEVER beating myself up for going only if I don't at all!

Just walk or 10 minutes...

Seriously this works every time. If I just don't feel like hitting the GYM I tell myself, "I'm just going to walk or do 10 minutes". Toss on your work out clothes and shoes & go out the door. I hit the gym and I am always excited that I pull through and do an amazing workout/run. I am NEVER beating myself up for going only if I don't at all!

Raisins are nature's candy bar-- good for preventing the BONK

Biking high intensity, taking a raisin break, and then biking the second half is what keeps me going. I'll eat 1.5 ounces of raisins which are loaded with fructose. It's great for taking a break on the mountain bike trail, and not only motivates me to push on the return home ride but also fuels my energy.

Cover Up

When I am running/walking on the treadmill, I cover up the screen so I can't see how much time I have left. I start getting tired earlier on when I can see the time, but when I can't see it, I feel great the whole time I'm on the treadmill.

Review and Tweak the Plan~

Whenever i'm getting off track or even when i'm feeling a little bored I look over my old blogs. Almost all of them give me a more positive perspective or solutions to what I want to tweak or change. Should I not feel more empowered or motivated to a new direction then I hit some of my SP friends blogs.

LOST 10 LBS WATCHING T.V.

I bought a stationary bike back in January and made a deal with myself. I got really into this t.v. series that had been out for long enough to be canceled and I bought the whole series. Each episode is 45 mins long ( no commercials) and I sit on that bike and watch my show every morning. Sometimes twice a day. Anyhow now I decided I will no longer watch t.v. at all without being on my bike even if its only 15 miles an hour I still have to be on it.

Easy Interval Training

I made a mix of music that helps with putting intervals in my walk. I pick music that I like with the pace in mind. I start out with a couple of songs that have a beat that matches my warm up speed, then up the pace a bit until I'm at my target walking speed. For the rest of the workout, I vary the pace from song to song and by matching my pace to the beat, instant intervals! When I get tired of the selection, I just make a different mix. Works for walking, running biking etc. Enjoy!

Vertical running for less foot pain

I find that running up steep hills and mountain sides, is a good full body workout w/ less impact on your feet. LOVE IT!

What worked for me

Start walking. The trick to healthy walking is not doing it today. The real trick is doing it tomorrow and the next day. We aren't talking about a stroll around the mall. Get out there and stride!

Have a cheerleading team

Aside from Sparkpeople, I'm making a big effort to tell friends and family what I'm doing and what my goals are. As I've just started running, a friend who is training for a marathon is cheering me on, and everytime I reach a new running goal I can't wait to run to my phone and text my new achievement. The encouraging replies really make me feel good.

Run with the Marine Corps!

Add a couple of Marine Corps (or Army, etc.) running cadences to your ipod. When you need to kick it up a notch during a walk or jog, turn on a cadence. This helps me stay on tempo, and if you turn up the volume, you can hear their footsteps keeping time. Makes me feel like I'm running with a team. Plus, most of the cadences are short, at 1-2 minutes, which works perfectly for me (a beginning runner).

Galloway Runners: up your intervals

Got the doldrums in your running? Up the running interval or shorten the walk interval to increase your overall pace and jump start your excitement about running again.

Start Slow, Gain Momentum

It's a good general lesson, but it even works during one session! I found that if I start out on the treadmill going as my normal/fast pace, I get tired, quit, and don't burn many calories. Try starting off just under normal pace. As you progress, pick up the pace a little at a time. I find I have more energy to actually finish. By the time my workout is finished, I'm going max speed and sometimes I want to keep going (like a freight train)!