So I was running on the treadmill today and got to thinking about my goals, why I run and how I stay motivated being new to this. This is going to be directed at those like me who are new or thinking about getting into running. I already gotten into some of the benefits that I’ve noticed in a previous post so I won’t get into that here.
Today I want to focus on motivation and how I am able to keep at it in the hopes I can help some of you do the same!

First and foremost what you need and what did/does it for me is to have a goal! Now you and I being new it is best to pick a goal that you will reach 6 or so months down the road. For me I chose the @RunDisney #WinedineHalf in Nov. This is a half marathon (13.1 miles) that runs through mine and my families favorite place to be: Walt Disney world. For you it can be anything a race, weight loss change of body shape etc. Just pick something that’s important to you and allow yourself enough time to reach it!

The second thing I’ve found that has been a huge help is to surround yourself with others that have similar interests and goals! People that will cheer you on and encourage you! For me it’s been a huge help to have my wife @karenvanmil running the same race as well. SM is reall big for me as I’m sure you know so I try to follow people and accounts that inspire encourage and check in on me and my progress! When you know people are in your corner and are following your progress it’s a huge help! Avoid the people that will get in the way of your goal. There will be people that will tell you not to post stuff about exercising and getting healthy you need to ignore them. Follow me I’ll encourage and support you! Follow @carrieburrows she’s was my first supporter and continues to as well. She is also a wealth of knowledge on how to get to where you wan to me check out her blog there is a whole library of information and inspiration there!

The next thing that really helps me in the short term for each run is a good music playlist! I saw some where (don’t have the link) that music at least 120 beats/min helps you to run faster. It may not be music you typically listen to but trust me, put on some upbeat dance pop or rap and you’ll forget you’re even running! There are a vast amount of music playlist/players out there for smartphones. I and currently using @Songza it has the biggest and best playlist and truly multi-platform even on the web!

The last thing I use on run is visualization. I picture myself actually running the half marathon in Disney and how it will feel when my wife and I cross that finish line together! Picture what you will look like with extra weight gone, how your body will look when you get it where you want it or just how much better you will feel overall!

And finally I leave you with my two favorite hashtags:

#Runstrong
#KeepSmilin

Thanks for reading and please do let me know how it goes for you! I’d love to hear from you and help you along with words or encouragement! 🙂