How I Learned to Like Jogging
How I Learned to Like Jogging
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I’d tried couch-to-5k-type programs before, but running was always a painful chore and it never stuck.
But I kept thinking about what the baboon said about running in Bojack:
"Every day it gets a little easier… But you gotta do it every day — that’s the hard part."
I started thinking about that mental switch. I wasn't making any progress from trying to discipline myself to meet fitness goals; how might I incentivize a behavior instead? What if I stop thinking about it as a fitness routine, and instead think of it as a habit?
Be real about it.
Be real about it.
If it's something you're doing every day, there are table stakes.
Fleet Feet is a store that looks at the shape of your feet and fits you for a shoe that aligns with your gate. This was a game-changer — I used to get shin splints nonstop, but now that my feet and ankles are aligned, I fall forward painlessly.
A cheap armband to hold my phone and keys was also worth it. I'm also glad I got a new keyring so I can slide the house keys off the main chain easily.
At least in Chicago, you’ll also need layers — plus headband, gloves, etc, all kept in the same spot right by the door.
Be nice about it.
Be nice about it.
If you believe that showing up every day is the hard part, then you can give yourself some grace if you don't immediately fall into a brand new pattern of behavior.
No habits exist in a vacuum. They're intertwined with all the other stuff you've got going on each day. Stuff comes up, things happen. But when they do, I look for small ways I can be nice to my future self so he's better prepared when they inevitably pop up again.
It's gotta feel good. It shouldn't feel shitty. Try to set a goal that you can already do on most days. I settled on one mile a day in the shoes, it doesn't matter how fast or slow.
The best that you can do in any one day is a little bit. Nothing you do today is going to transform you into someone else tomorrow; but doing a little bit every day will create a habit that accumulates and accelerates in the direction you're aiming. Every lap is a win.
Be Smart about it.
Be Smart about it.
You’re not too old, you just need to stretch. Stretching should feel good — some ligaments and muscles are stubborn and they'll fire back, but just give 'em a little kiss every day and they'll start warming up quick.
Stock up on extra juice. For the days when I wake up with no juice, I need an extra boost of motivation. Music can be a big mood adjuster for me, so I made a playlist for getting me moving -- 45 minutes of mostly indie rock songs at a BPM that elevates my heart rate juust enough to get me stretching my legs and out the door.
Be intentional about it.
Be intentional about it.
No notifications. There's nothing that can't wait literally 15 minutes. (Do Not Disturb ended up becoming an almost-always-on thing.)
Limit overhead. Consolidate everything that blocks you from getting out the door. You can sleep in the same clothes you jog in. I ran the exact same route for two years.
I used to try to track my runs on a calendar or journal, but I'd forget. I made a mental connection between turning off notifications and turning on Strava, which removed "data entry" as a standalone task and gave me something (free) to look at and see momentum.
No headphones. Some people like to listen to music or podcasts while they run, some people even like to talk to each other. I've enjoyed running as a way to get away from all that stuff. I try to say hi to people on the street.
Be chill about it.
Be chill about it.
Sometimes the hardest part is slowing down. I used to go for runs, but a jog means going steady. Instead of digging the ball of your foot into the Earth and driving yourself forward, think of each step bouncing off the ground like there's little Flubber bubbles on the cracks in your soles.
I try to sync up my breath and my feet with my heart rate. Then I ask myself: What's got you so mad today? This is where I've found the "runner's high."
Even if you're feeling good at the end of a route, stick to the habit. Why risk feeling sore when you could look forward to running again tomorrow. Feeling tired sucks; but if you don't push it, then going for a jog can leave you feeling more energized than before it. Now you're cookin'.
Be disciplined about it.
Be disciplined about it.
The best that you can do in any one day is a little bit. But doing a little bit every day will create a habit that accumulates and accelerates in the direction you're going. Every lap is a win.
Even if you're feeling good at the end of a route, stick to the routine. Why go longer and risk feeling sore when you could look forward to running again tomorrow. Feeling tired sucks; but if you don't push it, then going for a jog can leave you feeling more energized than when you started it. Now you're cookin'.
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