Published in the December 11-25, 2013 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Paul Rakitin
Paul Rakitin
It’s 5 a.m., still dark and from last night’s forecast you know the low this morning will be about 32 degrees with a slight breeze and clear. Through a foggy, pre-caffeinated head, you wonder if you should bother wearing gloves and a beanie. Or maybe you should just wear the gloves as you tend to get hot during your long runs. You’re not meeting your regular running partner today and have plenty of time to finish your planned 9 miles.
It takes a few extra minutes for you to open the front door as the house is a cozy 68 degrees. You commit to the half marathon you signed up for almost three months ago, you commit to your training partner who is running the race with you, your spouse of course because they know how important this is to you and it’s too late to back out after all the time and energy spent preparing. You notice a nagging pain in your heel and you hope as you warm up it will go away – and it does. Nothing is going to keep you from your run. You’re free from work looming a few hours from now, away from rush hour traffic or the job deadline you have to meet. It’s your time.
So what motivates you? Is it the runner’s high you know you’ll feel about mile five? Is it the personal record you’re chasing? Or is it the plain and simple fact that running makes you feel good? It could be the social aspect of training with others or because you like the way it makes your legs look. Are you trying to lose weight and running has been the only thing you’ve noticed that works for you? Do you run just so you can eat that extra helping of dessert? Do you think about your kids or parents when you run? Are you trying to fit into that bathing suit you used to wear in college?
Motivation is unique to everyone and finding inspiration can come in many ways. The key is to find what keeps you running or walking every day. Keeping a daily journal is helpful so you can visually see your progress. Some days you’ll feel great and some days you’ll question why you bothered to roll out of bed. At the end of the run you’re always glad you did it.
The benefits of running are countless and whatever gets you out the door and keeps your training consistent is the most important thing you can continue to do. Aside from the physical benefits of running, studies have shown it helps create new brain cells, improves your mood and reduces stress. Each night set your alarm, put your gear and shoes in a place that’s easy to get to, prep your coffee the night before and put one foot in front of the other until you’re outside and running. It’s that easy. At least that’s what I tell myself when it’s 5 a.m. and still dark.
Paul Rakitin is the owner of The Running Shop, 16999 Monterey Road, Suite D.
