As a longtime runner who has been avid in the sport since the young age of seven, I have plenty of ways to get into the running zone. Let’s face it, any sport with a repetitive motion can be boring, but if you get in the zone you will feel relaxed, relief and euphoric! And if you get in the zone you may actually love running and feel pleasure when you are out on a run. Your mind and body may even begin to crave your daily run. So here are the ways to get into the running zone and love this great workout:
As you lace up your shoes, reflect on all the great gifts in your life. On the list should be the gift of mobility to run, because this is a tremendous gift you should be thankful for. Stretch out your muscles and get on the road for a great run. Life is what you make of it, so get into the run both physically and mentally and the results will be great. Pre-run reflection is one of the best ways to get into the running zone.
Whether you are running the same pace during your entire run or doing intervals, get in a rhythm of your running where you feel comfortable. Take a deep breath and try to relax and enjoy your run. The simple pounding of the pavement and circulation of your blood will help you to relieve stress and better your health, so enjoy!
As a distance runner running 21 marathons (a marathon is 26.2 miles), there have been many long runs where it was hard not to focus on how many miles I had to still go, but I always stop staring at my watch and get in the zone. In the zone, I regulate my breathing, enjoy the pitter patter or stomp of my feet as I pound the pavement in a run and enjoy the scenery around me.
Whether you just ran one mile or fifteen, enjoy how far you have come and be proud. So often we help others and do so much for everyone else that we forget to stop, just focus and be proud of ourselves. Do this now while you are in the running zone and enjoy the run!
Enjoy every breath that you take in and let out, enjoy the sun in the sky, enjoy the cool or warm air, take a deep breath and enjoy this run. If you take this positive approach to running, you will feel better mentally and physically.
Smile and greet the dog walker down the street as you run by, the mail man diligently filling mailboxes, your neighbor and the fellow runner passing by. Smile and enjoy the run!
As you complete your run, finish strong with your head up and congratulations! Now use the energy from the zone to fuel your day. You should feel at peace with yourself and the world around you! You just enjoyed the running zone, so how do you feel?
Hope you enjoyed my tips to get into the running zone. Do you get in the running zone when you run? If yes, how does this make you feel?