Day 3: Favorite Workout Tips

Day 3: Favorite Workout Tips

Let your body rest!

Sometimes, I feel exhausted...some days, I push through it, but other days, I just know I need a break.  The best way to make sure you get rest, is to schedule a rest day, but be sure to listen to your body.  If you've been pushing yourself hard, or not getting enough sleep, it's important to listen to your body.  This could help you from getting an injury.  But seriously: you need sleep!  It helps your body recover!  Don't skimp on it...you'll pay for it later!

Don't let your mind get you down.

There are those days, when your mind tells you that you "can't" do it...even though you know you can.  Part of training is training your mind and learning to beat those little tricks that your head tells you that you can't do.  Your body can do a lot more than your head wants you to think...just be smart about it.

What you eat matters.

My body feels so much better when I'm eating healthy.  My runs are better, my sleep is better, every part of me feels better.  Eating the right, healthy foods makes a huge difference!  Of course, don't go overboard either...ice cream is good for the soul!

Start small, but dream big.

Signing yourself up for too much at first can be discouraging.  Set realistic goals for yourself.  You know yourself better than anyone, so if you know this is something you can't follow through with, adjust your plan so you know it's obtainable and build on it.  If your plan is to train for a marathon and you've never run before, start with 5K's and build on that slowly...but keep that marathon in mind as your goal.

You CAN do it!

Most people assume if they're not a runner, that they can't be.  That's not true.  It's very hard to start at first.  Your training your body and your mind...trying to get used to the strain you are putting on yourself and getting into a schedule.  But, as you build the mileage, it really does get easier. I'm living proof of that.  I went from struggling through a 5K in 2008 to running a marathon in 2010.  This is the same with any workout plan.  It just takes time, but you have to be willing to put the time in.

Happy Monday Bloggy Friends!  We're back on a regular schedule!  As much as I LOVE the Christmas break...I crave a schedule!  Now....back to my regularly scheduled life :)