Good, straightforward no nonsense running

[Dangermouse]

Alright lads, just thought I'd share this. Nothing revolutionary, just something I've been doing the last week and think its really helpful for determination.

Basically, when I used to go running I'd either go for a set distance or time period, along with runs while monitoring my heart rate. I'm still doing the latter every so often, but recently been running just to test my determination.

What I basically do is, just before I go running, I just visualise a route that I make up at random which takes me down roads, up and down hills, around tracks and fields etc, and just go out there and do it. I don't set a time limit, have only a vague idea how far the distance and how long it will take me to do it, but the plan is simple - just cover the distance. Get tired and slow down if you need to, but never stop. Like I said, its nothing new really but I find its a great exercise to test your own determination, mainly because you always get the urge to take a shortcut or turn back, but you just need to keep going. Vary the route every time you go out to help keep your morale up, go out at different times of the day to get your body used to varying temperatures, etc, and just do it. It's hard, but you'll feel so much better for it and knowing that you've completed your route without giving in to your body is so much better than being told a time.

It helps if you live somewhere near the countryside and hills, but even if you're running around your estate it's far more enjoyable than simply running around a track or a set route.

[ihavethedetermination]

That is good advice there. I said to myself yesterday that I wanted to go for a long run (for me about 45mins) but when I was out I never looked at my watch and just visualised places I felt I could get to. I picked somewhere that had lots of hills and a varied ground to run on. There were times that I thought just change the route beacuse I didnt want to do certain hills but I said to myself no just do it and keep going.

I did just that and on the way home I was really chuffed with myself running up the hill which I didnt want to run up and didnt even stop, so much so that I even changed my route on the way back and stayed out even longer. I picked another route with another fairly large steep hill, once again i never stopped. When I got home I was so happy with myself, I was out for just over an hour and now I am planning to do the same sort of thing tomorrow.

I feel like I have shown my determination levels and now know that next time I can even push myself further.

You are very right about that theory Dangermouse

[MadAd]

As said try and run in the daytime. Running against sun and heat is a great way to condition your body.