Life in the Slower Lane: What's Up, Wednesday?

Initially when we started this blog, we decided that we would keep check-ins to once a week. Well, the first week of the challenge is complete!

Nikki:It's definitely hard to believe, but it has flown by. It has definitely been hard on my body going from pretty much 0-5 miles per week to over 20! While I reserved two strict walking days, the other days have either been doing a set interval and then walk/run the rest to make it to 3 or just whatever I feel like doing. Usually for those, I will just find something, like a mailbox, a tree, or even a rock and set my own intervals.

Kelsey: This week started out strong with two days of good three mile runs, then life happened and I worked two twelve hour days. Everyone has a day when something goes wrong or time is cut short; I have two very mobile jobs (I work with kids!) so I feel that on these days I will still active;even hit a home run in backyard baseball. The important part is that when I had a day where I was not working so much,I had to make myself get out there and run three miles again; which I did even though it was 9pm. It's never to late to get your miles in.

Finding time to run can be a different story. You have to work, sometimes things come up, you're swamped....does that sound familiar? Finding motivation to do something for yourself can be hard in a sea of endless projects and busy schedules. Sometimes, not only is the time absent, but so is the mojo. So, here are some of our very own personal tips that we apply when we're just not feeling a run (or even a workout in general)

1. Visualize your goals

It helps to write down your goals and stick to them. I use Notepad on my computer, but a Post-It or anything like that would work, too. What are you running/workout for?

2. Take a step back
My rule of thumb is 10 minutes. If I am doing a workout and not feeling it after 10 minutes, I call it a day. 10 minutes is better than 0. Or on a side note Take a first step. The hardest part is often dragging yourself out the door, just think of one reason you should whether it be because of those 5 extra pounds, or those 5 hot guys or gals across the street who you might stop to chat with. Just get out.

3. Load up on new tunes
Sometimes, the issue is in the tunes. Loading up your iPod with some new music is a great way to find some new motivation and distract yourself. Try Rockmyrun.com for some great DJ running mixes.

4. Turn off your running apps
Sometimes the key is just to run. Don't worry about distance or time, just run for you.

5. Talk to your buddies.
Having a buddy to confide in and give you a kick in the pants is sometimes just what you need. :)

6. Running Mantras
When Kelsey first started running and the times got tough, she silently chanted to herself "I'm a gazelle in Kenya." Yes, she realized this was crazy but it helped her run that extra minute.

Need some extra motivation? Here ya go!