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Jen's avatar

Well, this will be a little different than your regular posts. I am highly motivated by music when I run, so what I've been doing is incorporating some dance moves while I run. This might include clapping (The Cars-Let's Go has a great clap sequence), alternating arm positions in a rhythmic way, side-stepping, adding a few hops here and there, throwing a few Rocky punches out, and running in a zig-zag pattern to break up the linear path monotony! I might even belt out a few tunes. You see, I used to care about what people think, and then I realized that running is for me and I've got to do what feels good even if it looks a little bit crazy. I imagine that some of the surprised looks I get from people passing by in their cars are followed by the thought, "Ummm...I'll have what she's having?".

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Brendan Schurr's avatar

I listen to a lot of Stevie Wonder on my runs and find myself breaking out into dancing. But I'm having a good time, so I don't care what others think. :)

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

I love this, Jen! Reminds me of Phoebe from “Friends” 😀

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Marilyn's avatar

Cheers! :)

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Belle Cook's avatar

I put my clothes out the night before, so they're ready and visible when I get up in the morning. I go out early, since it's too hot in Southern California for me to run later in the day. Although I enjoy my friends, I get my best benefit when I'm by myself; finding my own pace, listing to my breathing and footfalls and just enjoying the morning. The rest of the day automatically falls into place once I've been outside.

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Gara Doll's avatar

For sure! By 8 am it's hot in CA

We are in Idaho now, so the mornings are cooler longer. I get my running clothes out the night before so I don't try to talk .myself out of running!😁 I also go to Pinterest for running quotes inspiration before going out the door...

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Rebecca's avatar

You are so right that running can help improve mood. That is why I try to incorporate running into my day. My weekend distance runs are especially therapeutic. I often start the run in a very negative mood, but by the time I pass the six-mile mark, I feel noticeable improvement. By the end of a 12+ mile run, I am tired, but I feel like I sweat out a lot of stress and general angst that built up. I always tell myself at the end that I need to do this way more often...

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Jeanne Torre's avatar

My happier place run is around a 7+ miler weekday and 10+ weekends. Today I ran in one of my all time favorite places - Forest Park in STL. I trained for my first marathon here. It felt amazing to conquer hills with ease at 50 that we’re just dreadful at 29!! (Thank you ATL hills😂). And while the first loop was kinda miserable (heat 🥵 & a later start than I prefer) I recognized early it was more of a mindset issue & I could continue to focus on the discomfort and what wasn’t (me being almost done if we had started earlier) OR I could embrace being in a favorite place, doing a favorite thing, with my favorite person. I chose the latter and churned out a negative split on a weekday, vacation 11 miler. 🙌🏼 Now I shall enjoy my Imo’s pizza 🍕

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Gara Doll's avatar

Thank you, Terrel! I was at a stagnant place with running before Covid19. With your challenge of running daily, I improved my time by 3 minutes on my 5K, and made it for 26 days in a row!! I've leveled off now, and had some injuries, but the new personal record still stands! I'm excited for the current challenge to train for November..and the comradarie I hope to experience with everyone. Let's do this!!👍🏃‍♀️

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Brendan Schurr's avatar

Thanks Terrell! I read this just before leaving to run by the ocean. I always appreciate my beautiful surroundings but you reminded me to really be joyful about them, and about the fact that I have a healthy body that can run!

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

It's something that's so easy to forget, isn't it? I do it all the time. I have to consciously remind myself, especially right now. But it really helps when I do. How's your running been going, btw?

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Brendan Schurr's avatar

Actually yesterday was my first day of training for a half! I had been sidelined with hip weakness and physical therapy from January until March. I started at square one and trained to six miles. Now am back training for a half, my favorite distance. Who knows if the race will actually happen, but that's not the point. I just like having a goal to work toward.

Thanks for what you're doing. It helps to feel connected to other runners.

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

Thank you for being a part of it, Brendan! Really glad you're joining us in this. How's your hip feeling now?

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Brendan Schurr's avatar

So much better, thanks for asking! I haven't missed a day of doing my PT exercises in six months, and it's paying off!

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Marilyn's avatar

One realizes how social we might be after all during this pandemic:)

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

I couldn’t agree more! What’s changed for you after all this, and what are you looking for from your running as a result?

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Marilyn's avatar

Life changes. Running is a saving grace. The days a person doesn’t run are the most challenging right now. I’m looking forward to this group of friends:) An innovative way to connect:)

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John Buckle's avatar

I am on day 42 of running at least 10k a day. Although still experiencing some signs of anxiety, the daily trail run is most certainly helping to keep the waves of anxiety under a degree of control.

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Belle Cook's avatar

EXCELLENT!

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

Right there with you, John. I'm ready to start another streak of my own for the same reason.

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Marilyn's avatar

I feel like you read my mind. Nice to connect:)

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

Thanks, Marilyn! And right back at you -- so glad to have you as a new member!

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Belle Cook's avatar

Great article, by the way!

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

Thanks so much, Belle!

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Maria's avatar

Running improves my mood almost always, but if I run outdoors and pay special attention to the beauty, (sky, plants, view, breeze), it helps even more. Also, when I finish, no matter how I did, it helps me to remember how fortunate I am that I have the type of health, body, and fitness that allows me to do this.

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Colleen McBride's avatar

I'm late to the party but sometimes that's how I roll! ;) I like to run in the evenings. It's a way for me to burn off all the built up stress of the day. If I don't run for a couple of days, I feel the stress build up, and know I won't feel better until I can release it through a run.

Also I'm not much of a morning person. I really like lazy mornings and productive evenings!

I'm still trying to figure out what works best in my new location here in North Carolina. It's much more humid than I am used to. And my canine running partner doesn't seem to like it very much. I've only been doing short runs (3-5 miles) so far, and I think I'll have to start leaving my dog at home. I'm excited for the half-marathon training plan we're doing as a group!

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

I'm excited too! For years, I was a late-afternoon runner too. It gave me the perfect way to split up my day between work and home -- I loved it! I hear you on the humidity, though; in the South, that's a big issue. I wish I had better advice for you than to run early enough to avoid it! 😃

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Gara Doll's avatar

Loved the article, by the way!!

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

Thanks so much, Gara!

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