How to Look and Feel Like a Runner

The best mental trick I can share to help you feel like a runner is, "Wear your running clothes." I have long said, “Looking good is half the battle.” When I look like a runner and my brain is convinced that I am a runner, it's much easier to begin. I will admit that I don’t feel like running every morning when I get out of bed. In fact, there are often times that I lie there thinking of ways to get out of running that day. It's too windy. I'm too tired. There are no running buddies today. My phone isn't charged and I need it for my running app.

I have learned this one simple trick. If I get dressed and wear my running clothes, shoes included, something magical often happens. My brain recognizes that I am a runner. My clothes make me look and feel like a runner. I am a runner and runners run!

I liken it to muscle memory drills that hurdlers use to build proper form. The memory is in the brain, not the muscle. If the drill is done properly, when the race is on the hurdler will remember the drill and clear the hurdle with proper form.

What are those magical running clothes that convince the brain to make the body run?


Feet – Shoes are the most important piece of equipment for any runner. You will find that runners spend more time talking about their shoes than their running playlists, favorite smoothie recipes, or even the weather. You can begin without a fancy new pair, but if you plan to continue running it would be wise to visit a running store and get a good fit. The right shoes may cost a little more than clearance gym shoes at an all-purpose shoe store, but they will be worth it and your feet will thank you!

The rest of your attire is up to you. There is no need to purchase a new wardrobe before beginning. Runners can wear anything that keeps them comfortable. Here are a few ideas …

Legs - I prefer spandex on my legs in hot or cold weather because it keeps me covered and prevents chafing! (Yes, we runners talk about things like that.) However, a pair of sweatpants or gym shorts will do just fine. Pockets come in handy for carrying car keys, phones, and Chapstick. I have found that my legs can weather the cold or hot better than the rest of me.

Torso - Winter running can be deceiving. Layer up and be prepared to shed some clothing.  The first few minutes may be frigid, but it’s called a “warm up” for a reason. Once you get your heart pumping the cold won’t be so bothersome. Wear a sweatshirt or other outer layer that can be easily removed and tied around your waist or tossed aside for later retrieval.  Ladies, you’re going to want a sports bra.

Head – I prefer a headband over a cap for this one reason. When I get warm, I can remove the headband, twist it in two and wear it on my wrist.  It doesn’t get lost and I don’t worry if it was tucked safely in a pocket. The hood of your sweatshirt can be pulled over the headband if the weather gets really nasty. Sunglasses are also a bonus and they will help you get over yourself.

Hands - I know one runner that wears socks on his hands during cold weather rather than gloves because he likes to keep his fingers snuggled up together. I like cheap knitted gloves, the kind you find at the checkout counter in groceries stores during the winter for about a dollar. They can be stashed in a pocket when my hands get warm and if I lose one I am not out much except for the guilt I have about littering.Wear your running clothes and you'll find you want to go for a run because you look and feel like a runner. It doesn’t always happen immediately and I think that is why it works. I am still telling myself that I don’t have to run today as I lace up my shoes. While my lazier self is still rationalizing a non-run day, the feel of my running clothes is gently reminding me that I am a runner and I will feel better after I have logged a few miles. Sometimes it takes all day before I actually get out the door, but rarely do I miss a run if I have first chosen to wear my running clothes.


Do you have a mental trick that helps get you moving? Please share it in the comments below.

Happy Running!
- Carol aka Running Granny Green
Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!

Tuesday's Training Tip: Dress in Layers

Today's training tip discusses what to wear during late winter-early spring outdoor workouts. Chances are you'll be cool and even cold when you begin your run or workout, but you'll want to shed a few layers when the workout and the sun (if there is any) warms you. Here are some head to toe tips to deal with changing temps.

Head - 

A headband is the best option because it will keep your ears warm and allow some of the heat your body generates from the run to escape through your head. When you get too warm, remove it and simply wrap it around your wrist twice. You won't know it's there and you don't need a pocket in which to stash it. 

Sunglasses, always. They will protect your eyes from sun, snow, sleet and the occasional bug!

Torso - 

Layers are the best bet hear. Wear a long sleeve wicking shirt next to your body another layer over it. A hoodie sweatshirt is great for temps in the mid and lower 30's. It can be removed and tied around your waist if you get too warm. A second long sleeve or short sleeve shirt is sufficient when temps climb into the 40's.

Hands - 

Wear a pair of gloves that are easy to discard or shove in a pocket. The $1 knit kind are my favorite. Cut a thumb out for cell phone texts and photo opportunities. They can be stowed in a pocket or easily carried along your route. Better yet, map your route with a loop about two miles into the run. You'll be ready to shed a few items and you can come back and pick up them up on your way home.

Legs - 

Legs can usually bear the cold with only a layer of running tights. The quads and hamstrings are big muscles that warm up quickly and generate a lot of heat.  

Feet - 

Unless it's below 20 degrees, your toes will be fine. Blisters are a bigger concern that cold toes, so make sure you wear socks that fit.  Shoes should be tight enough to prevent slipping and rubbing. Your toes will warm up in a couple miles. Blisters will plague you much longer!

Stop by every Tuesday for more training tips and visit my Training Tips page to find all the tips you may have missed.

Question: Do you have a training tip you would like to share? Post it in the comments below.

Happy Running!

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!

I Don't Love Running: Explaining the Shirt

"I Don't Love Running" Shirt

What does someone who calls herself Running Granny Green think she is doing by offering a shirt that reads, “I Don’t Love Running …?”  The answer?  I am being honest. I don’t ALWAYS love running – at least not every step. However, as the back of the shirt reads, “Running Loves Me,” I have discovered that running has done some very positive things for me. I don’t run because it is easy, I run because it is good.

• Running has lowered my blood pressure. It wasn’t ever high, but for someone with several strokes in her family health history, this is a very good thing.
• Running has broadened my social circle. Let’s face it, just because I developed a new interest doesn’t mean my loved ones wanted to join me. I have made new friends as I have collected running buddies.
• Running gives me an excuse to buy new shoes.
• Running helps me keep my weight under control thus evading age onset Diabetes – another family health issue.
• Running has introduced me to new adventures like the Grand Teton Relay and Burley Spudman Triathlon.
• Running gives me positive writing material and writing is something I do LOVE!

The shirt sums it up.  I’m not out there running because I get a runner’s high – I’m not sure I’ve ever experienced that – or because it’s easy or I’m really fast. I’m running because it’s good for me. It could be good for you, too. You don’t have to love running, but you might have to give it a try. If I can do it, you can do it! I don’t love running, running loves me!

Question: What difficult things do you do because they are good for you?

Happy Running!

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook!

Tuesday's TrainingTip: Wear Your Running Clothes

Even if it takes all day!

This Tuesday’s Training Tip is a simple one – wear your running clothes. I will admit that I don’t feel like running every morning when I get out of bed. In fact, there are often times that I lie there thinking of ways to get out of running that day.

I have learned this one simple trick.  If I get dressed and wear my running clothes, shoes included, something magical often happens. My brain recognizes that I am a runner. My clothes make me look and feel like a runner. It doesn’t always happen immediately and I think that is why it works. I am still telling myself that I don’t have to run today as I lace up my shoes. While my lazier self is still rationalizing a non-run day, the feel of my running clothes is gently reminding me that I am a runner and I will feel better after I have logged a few miles. Sometimes it takes all day before I actually get out the door, but rarely do I miss a run if I have first chosen to wear my running clothes.

I have long said, “Looking good is half the battle.” I am usually referring to a public speaking assignment or scholarship or job interview, but it holds true with running as well.  Get out of bed, wear your running clothes, shoes included, and you might find that you truly are a runner!

Stop by every Tuesday for more training tips and visit my Training Tips page to find all the tips you may have missed.

Question: Do you have a training tip you would like to share?

 

Happy Running!

 

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook!