Strategies for Shedding Pounds through the Sport of Running
Genelle signed up for the race of her life; a half- marathon that required deep conviction to conquer the hilly course. She had trained with tenacity, and prepared for the day knowing she would be carrying her two hundred and sixteen pound body thirteen plus miles.
Early on race morning, she stepped from her car with tears in her eyes. Emotions grasped her insecurities presenting the question of, “Am I Worthy of Being Here?” The anxiety was almost too much as she observed lean athletes jogging the parking lot to warm up for the race. She was so fearful of the task ahead, that she wanted to fall down and fake an injury to excuse her from the race. Doing that would be like eating rice crispy squares when no one was watching; somehow cheating on herself. Genelle knew she must fully commit. It was not a frivolous decision of simply half-showing up on race day. She had to journey deep within herself, and drum up her courage. It was a requirement.
Whether you are simply in the journey to a more fit body, or contemplating signing up for a racing event beyond your current comfort zone, there are ten key strategies that can help you get out of your negative head, and into your internal stride.
1. Change your inner voice
Use ‘Fake-it- until- you-make-it’ thinking. Build yourself up with continual positive affirmations by choosing praise over negating inner language. If doubt creeps in, discard it immediately. Believe in yourself at all costs. Tell yourself, “I am a runner.”
2. Commit to Training
Sign up for a race as the intended dangling carrot. Going out for a casual walk or easy run as part of your weight loss regimen can be fleeting. Whereas training for race day will help you to commit on a deeper level.
3. Find the Parallels
Think about your run training as a metaphor for your life. The goals you have already conquered, finishing school or reaching for the next level in your profession, are similar to winning your fit body. Challenging hills can represent the obstacles you have overcome. Don’t run a different route to avoid them, shift your mindset that you can conquer anything that comes your way. Finishing a hard run, even though it rocked you to the core is a good thing for your spirit.
4. Prove Yourself Right
Create a strategy for your runs. If just starting out, challenge yourself to run to the next tree, or electrical pole. Each time you run that same route, go further. Set a specific landmark as your goal, and prove to yourself that you can make it. As you advance, have courage to push beyond your self-imposed limitations.
5. Remind Yourself Why
Write down your favorite affirmation or word on your body. If you are choosing to lose weight in order to be a better example to your child, write their name down where you can see it as you run. Think up a great phrase that inspires you and write it across your knuckles. Here are some ideas to get you started:
• Because I Can
• Doin’ It For (insert name)
• It makes me a better Mom
• I deserve to be Happy
• Every Step Gets Me Closer to my Goal
6. Progression
Don’t expect to run like Wonder Woman from the get-go. As in every new venture, there is a learning curve. Know from the start, wherever you are is further than the day before. You will be surprised how quickly you progress over a three month period. Log your runs; record your distance, time, and how you felt about the run. Review often to measure your progress.
7. Prepare Your Body
If your training is less than one hour there is no need to carb load or fuel for the run. To burn fat, eat plenty of slow burning carbs (vegetables) and always accompany with a good lean protein. Eat your carb meals (whole grains, fruits) only after you exercise to reload your glycogen stores.
8. Protect Your Girls
Do your breasts a favor; wear two jog bras while running. Bouncing is for Tigger, not for your boobies. You will feel less self conscious, and ease the soreness by keeping your chest intact.
9. Run on Clouds
Use your mind, to be light on your feet. Think about your feet hitting the ground as if they are softly running on cushioning clouds. With purpose, run lightly, and focus on striking with your midfoot rather than your heel.
10. Rally your Girlfriend Spirit
Gather up your friends, or join a running group. You will progress more quickly with people that challenge you to step-it-up. Be vocal about your new goal to create a built-in support system around you. You are less likely to let yourself down when you know others are counting on you to follow through.
Genelle did not enter the race because she loved the act of running. She used it as a tool to overcome a life long battle with obesity. She has since lost thirty pounds, and has gone on to complete five triathlons, and five half marathons. She is winning her fight, and proving you can lose weight the healthy way, while gaining incredible confidence. Running has now become her friend.
De’Anna Nunez is Founder of the Mind Body Fit Club, a nationwide, boutique weight loss program for women. She is a Certified Hypnotherapist, Certified Nutrition Specialist, NLP Coach and Weight Loss Expert. De'Anna is also a mother of three, a Marathoner and contributing editor for Active.com
For more information, visit www.mindbodyfitclub.com
