Motivation

I got these motivational tips from a list of 101 (which could easily be 1,001).  These are just a few that I think are helpful to beginners and those of us that make excuses, or just think that we can't run.  I really like the one that basically states that running (or exercise) should be a daily routine you don't think twice about, it's a given, like brushing your teeth.  So think about this:  You would be pretty gross if you didn't brush your teeth for a week.  It's the same with exercise, you will feel really gross if you don't do some physical activity during the week.  So be healthy and make it part of your routine!  Imagine me telling you in the tone of Rob Schneider in the movie, The Waterboy, "You can do it!"

THINK YOU DON'T HAVE TIME TO RUN? You can probably make a list longer than this one of things you're wasting time on today. Cut one of them out and get the run in. 

JUST START. If the thought of running your full workout is too much to bear, just suit up to run around the block. Chances are, once you're outside, you'll start to feel better and put in at least a few miles.

REMEMBER that you almost always feel better after a run than before it.

RUNNING COMMENTARY "Workouts are like brushing my teeth; I don't think about it, I just do it. The decision has already been made." --Patti Sue Plumer, U.S. Olympian 

PLAY IN THE STREET. Skip a dreaded track workout for a fartlek (Swedish for "speed play") session. After 10 minutes of easy jogging, run hard between two telephone poles, then slow down until you pass three. Then see if you can get to the traffic light before it changes, followed by a jog to the next mailbox. There are no set rules, so make it up as you go along.

BE REALISTIC with your training. Sticking to a schedule of three workouts per week feels a lot better than quitting a more demanding plan. Go to runnersworld.com/smartcoach to customize your training program.

Rebecca said she likes recipes so here is another that you could make as a side for dinner tonight:  sweet potato fries