Running towards your goal – If you’re not working out, you won’t be able to effectively reach your life and work goals.
Everybody has their preferred workout. There’s CrossFit, Insanity, P90X. Yesterday, I saw an infomercial for Hip Hop Abs. (I’m not sure anyone wants to see me do that.) What’s your favorite?
These days you can even pick your own celebrity trainer – Jillian, Shaun T, Tony, or Richard.
A couple of years ago, working out became a key part of my life plan – for 2 reasons:
- I needed to improve my health, and
- I needed to find a recreational hobby to get my mind off of work.
My hope was that running would serve both purposes. But the real motivation to stick with it didn’t come from a personal trainer.
My motivation came only after I realized that working out would give me a better chance to enjoy a longer life with my wife and children and would allow me to positively impact more leaders. I’ve written more about this in my post, 4 Benefits of Running I Never Considered Before.
Today, I run at least 3 days a week. And my experience with running has taught me 5 things:
1. The first half-mile is a beast.
If you’ve ever worked out at all, I don’t have to tell you that getting started is the toughest part.
No matter how many times you workout, it will never get easier to start. But starting matters most. Because…
In his bestselling book, Start, Jon Acuff wrote, The start is the only moment that you control completely. The finish? Don’t kid yourself. That’s months, if not years, away. You’ll meet hundreds of people along the way that will help you finish.
You just have to start.
2. You don’t have to be running fast.
…but you do need to keep running.
My average pace is a 10 minute mile. That’s not going to win any races – not even the local 5K. And that’s ok – because winning a race was never the goal. Running is. Being healthy is. Serving others longer is.
And I don’t have to run fast to accomplish those goals. I just need to keep running.
3. It’s not always easy
Maybe that’s why it’s called workout!
When I first started running, I ran a route that included several significant hills. I experimented with running it one direction, then the other.
It really didn’t matter which direction I ran – it was tough both ways.
And it will never be easy for you. But you can work through the tough stretches.
4. It helps if you are consistent.
Occasionally I get in a funk – I don’t even feel like getting out of bed. Sometimes even the first few steps away from the bed seem impossible.
And the longer you’re away from it, the harder it is to get back.
This is important – after running hundreds of miles over the past couple of years, I’ve never once regretted running. Never. Not once.
5. When you do it matters.
I began by running in the afternoons thinking that it would help me unwind after a long day at the office. But this time just didn’t work for me because it was prime-time for our family.
I quickly realized that if I valued my time with them, I would need to find an alternative time to run. The only other option I had was to get up earlier.
My problem was – I was staying up too late. So I had to make some changes in the evening to be able get up at 5:30 each morning.
Find a time that works for you and stick with it.
Question: What have you learned from your workouts? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Love your posts Michael. I have been a slow trail runner (something about the woods and outdoors for me) for years. I read a great book by Dr. John Ratey called Spark that gives many reasons why to exercise and the physiological benefits in laymen’s terms. It is impossible to NOT figure out a way to exercise after reading! I am a lot ADD and his book and suggestions have greatly improved my productivity. Thanks again for your thoughtful and informative articles.
I have never regretted going out for a run. I always regret not going later.
Absolutely! Thanks for connecting Grace!
That’s my story. I started with consistent walking, several miles a day. Later, started exchanging part of it for jogging. It’s progressing very well. Thanks for the encouraging post.
Great job! Thanks for stopping by.
Great points. My running isn’t fast either, but I’m learning it’s not about breaking records, it’s about being consistent.
Consistency is key! Thanks Stephanie!
Running is finally for me the easiest thing to do to maintain a good health, physically and mentally. Just need a good pair of basket shoes, and as you describes so well, starting! Yes the very first minutes are not the best of the session : they just allow me being focused on my breath, my physical sensations, by resume being there and now! And when the second breath is putting in place, then starts the positive side : my spirit, brain become clearer, sometimes a solution is given to me, my challenges become less drama, I feel fully alive and ready to continue on the way, happy to come back to my beloved ones and my purpose… Not more, not less!
I love your description of how you feel when you are running – great insight on the process of being correctly prepared and pushing through those initial difficult few minutes! Thanks for sharing!
I really enjoyed running, but ended up hurting myself (who knew jogging could be dangerous). I agree exercise is necessary, and I need to get back into it…I’m considering cycling until the doctor gives the go ahead.
I know what you mean, Tom. The important thing is to maintain your health. We can all find ways to do that. Enjoy your day!
One thing I’ve noticed is that when I’m consistent with my workouts my ability to focus at work goes way up. I think there is a connection between putting out that physical energy and later being able to focus and put out mental energy.
The same is true for me. Thanks Caleb!
Great post you are exactly right. I have incorporated exercise into my daily habits. I chose Shawn T and insanity, you are so right the hardest is getting started. As I was walking yesterday I had to stop amd thank God because I coded 7 times in December and am only alive today because of God’s amazing grace. I was praising God because I can do Insanity and walk without chest pain. Which for the last year was constant daily where I could not walk, dance in church, or praise God becaise I would get tired, chest pain and all. I was in church Sunday just dancing and praising God because now I can do all of those things.
Wow! That is a great story, Lorie. I glad you are doing well.
Great post. I have learned if I am committed and consistent I can reap great results. I have pretty much stuck to my plan this year of losing weight and getting in better shape. I have my moments, but I do not let them stop me like in times past. I don’t run, but I walk at least 2.5 miles, 4 to 5 days a week. I have lost 20 lbs since January and have kept it off. I feel and look better. I have 20 more lbs. to go.
Nice, Bernard. Keep up the good work!
You’re so right on the first half mile is a killer. For me, the half mile mark is about minute 4 in the run. It seems to drag on and on but once I hit a certain point the run becomes easier.
Same here. Thanks my friend.
I was the same way – I hated running. I mention how I got started in my post 4 Benefits of Running – http://www.michaelnichols.org/4-benefits-of-running-i-never-considered-before/.
Start with one day a week if you need to – then add more as you get momentum.
I’ve learned just how much ibuprofen I can take with breakfast and still function throughout the day…
On the more serious side, I have learned how much discipline in one area bleeds over into other areas.
Yep – when you’re nailing one area, it gives energy and momentum to other areas.
When I wake up, I don’t always want to run. But I remind myself of what I want: a healthy body and an energy-filled attitude. Running brings chutzpah to my life
True. Thanks for connecting, Alex.
I really enjoyed this post MIchael! My rising 9th grader just signed up for cross country, and I am going to share this with her. I especially liked the part that it is a WORK out. Whew – is it ever. And it seems the work gets harder every year. 😉
That’s great, Kelly! My daughter, Madison, loves running also. Let’s hope it lasts.