My personal motto this year has been “New Year, Try New Things.” Even though running is something I have done before, I haven’t done it in a long time.

Having derailed from my healthy living plan over the holidays, I realized that something must be done to get back on track. I started to consider my husband’s constant request to go running.  He’s active duty so he has to run for his job, but so far has been unsuccessful in getting me to tag along.

Like with most new projects, I like to do research and ask for suggestions. Here are some motivational steps to keep in mind before hitting the pavement:

• Mark your calendar. Make a date and keep it like an important meeting. I am going to run on Sundays with my husband.
• Set a goal. If you can hit the pavement running seven minute miles, then by all means do it if you want. I, on the other hand, will be starting out slowly with a ¼ mile run/walk routine. Hopefully this will slowly build my stamina for longer runs and distances and I can feel successful along the way.
• Stay positive. Having a positive attitude will always make any arduous task easier. My first time running, I wanted to quit after a few strides and then felt guilty. Don’t let that guilt stop you, keep on trucking. Try repeating a positive mantra, like “I can do it.” 
• Find a partner. I wouldn’t have started running without my husband’s invitations.  I need someone to tell me that I can do it. When my husband isn’t available, I rely on my network of friends who can track my progress via my FitBit or through other special running apps.
• Get dressed. This is really easy.  You just need some good, comfortable running shoes and clothes. For the wintertime, you may need a few more layers if you live in a cold weather climate.
• Gear up. I need a distraction from my extremely heavy breathing, so I have taken Joy’s advice and have started carrying some tunes with me.
•  This is the thing that I struggle with the most. I find it hard to get myself out the door, but I know that if I can get just get out of the house, I can make it. Find what motivates you and let it help you take the strides you need to get your motor running.

With these steps, I hope to be a recreational runner. I don’t intend to run races or anything. I just want to be able to run with my husband and not feel like I am going to die.

Have you started a new healthy routine that has been challenging? Let me know what you are doing and maybe we can encourage each other throughout the process.