Published on 10 Jul 2020 by Dave Regg
Three years I set a goal for myself- get into running and eventually run a half marathon.
That's still on my #TO-DOs list because it is incredibly difficult to balance a forty hour work week, friendships, programming, and hobbies.
I'm not down on myself about it. Had it been five years ago, I would have spiraled into depression. I would feel like a failure because that was just how my brain had worked. It would focus on the negative and spiral downward into thinking I'm a failure.
But these days, I focus on the positives. I have the ability to get out and run three miles whenever I feel like it. I never thought I would be able to do that! I can do it after not running for a week, I can do it two days in a row, I can do it right after I wake up or right before bed.
I'm so proud of myself!
But it is difficult to find time to train when I have so many other things on my #TO-DOs list. My day off list will be something like
Write a blog post
Cook breakfast, have some coffee, and read a chapter in your book
Run some errands
Do some programming
Take a break and watch TV
Run
Continue programming
You get the idea
The list can become long and tedious. It can include things that I don't necessarily get done. I put less emphasis on some things and more on others, specifically programming.
In this blog post, I want to seek ways where I can continue to improve my running habit, especially in the heat on days that I don't want to run, and reach my goal on running a half marathon.
I know I have the time to run during the day. Running isn't a huge commitment for me, it is between thirty to sixty minutes a day, three to four days a week. However, now that it's summer in Philadelphia, the temperature can get up to ninety degrees fahrenheit with humidity. As someone who works at 5:00 AM, and who has to go to bed at 8:00 PM, I only have that kind of heat to run in.
How do I find motivation to run in such heat?
I must think positively. Instead of thinking that it will be a miserable, sweaty, and often times dreadful run, get a list of thoughts you can have beforehand.
It will be quick and easy peasy! Thirty minutes is just a blip on your day
Running is fun, and your legs are great!
Make it a game, let's zigzag throughout the city
With the right kind of attitude in my head, my body will surely follow.
Oh no! I can't run the entire five miles I set out for myself!
So what?
You're out of the house, you're being active, and you're attempting to run! That's what matters. Dave from five years ago never would have done that. Walk a little bit, gather some energy, cool down, and get back to it.
On top of that, forget pace. Forget distance. Just enjoy yourself, and the half marathon will come after!
The best part about running is that it's a break from actively programming, but it doesn't necessarily have to be a break from programming!
Let's say I was working on a particularly difficult algorithm that I had to just walk away from. Go on a run, think about that algorithm, and maybe an idea will pop in your head!
How about listening to a podcast about programming? Let's see, there's CodeNewbie, Syntax, and Software Engineering Daily to name a few. Keeping your mind on progamming can improve your skills and makes it easier to speak on the topics.
I needed some motivation today. Running has become difficult for me the past couple of weeks because of the dreadful heat and my hours at work.
I wanted to jot down some ideas in hopes that this could possibly motivate some other people to improve themselves in some way. You don't necessarily have to have the goal of a half marathon, but getting out there and being active every once in a while can improve your fitness, mental health, and programming skills!
Give it a go!