National Running Day

Happy National Running Day!

What a great way to celebrate such an amazing community of people. Regardless of how often you run, the pace you run, or even if you call yourself a runner, National Running Day is for you to celebrate being a runner. Today you can reaffirm your passion for running.

You can celebrate being a runner – not only on National Running Day – but every day of the year.

Here are 5 of TrainwithMarc’s top ways to celebrate being a runner:

Join a group for a run

Running with a group is equally inspiring and motivating. Sure, solo runs have their time and place (hello tired legs), but group running helps pass the time, push you to new places you never thought you’d go, and have conversations with friends about any topic under the sun. Minneapolis Running says it best when they shared, “running with a group is incredibly motivating because there is ALWAYS someone who is faster than me.”

Try an early morning run before the sun comes up

I’m a big fan of getting my running done before work. I know it doesn’t happen very often, but when it does, I feel so much better about the day. It’s very empowering to think of everyone still cozied up in bed while I’m out getting my miles in. The Muse has 3 great reasons why running before work is great (clearing your head, idea generation and productivity). My reasons are similar, but are for me and may not be for you.

Volunteer to help at a road race, athletic function or a camp

Volunteering is a great way to give back to the running community. Not only will you feel good about yourself, but you’ll also be providing support, guidance or much more to those who are participating. Active.com writes, “Volunteering is the perfect chance to give back to the community.” It’s very rewarding being a part of the inner workings of a race and volunteering can help everyone who is involved.

Set a goal and work toward beating it

Nothing says celebration more than besting yourself during a competition. In Runner’s World, Jason Gootman and Will Kirousis talk about why setting goals are so important for runners. “Having a very strong understanding of what your goals are and why you are pursuing them can keep you going when the obstacles in your path become large and scary, can lead you to your greatest achievements, and can ensure that you fully savor the joy of those achievements.” Whether it’s completing a race or doing more pull-ups than you ever have before, setting a goal and working toward it is not only rewarding but worth celebrating.

Try something different

There are a lot of moving parts that go into running (no pun intended). Here are a few great things you can try that are different that will make you appreciate running.

1. Try a different type of race. If you normally compete well at the 5k distance, try a non-competitive race. If you normally run marathons only, try a season of shorter races. There are SO MANY races out there that a few months of trying something different can actually improve your running tremendously.
2. Try a new way to train. If you normally “just run”, try doing workouts (like fartleks, tempo runs, threshold runs or speed workouts). Changing things up will not only make you a faster runner, but you’ll be able to appreciate what goes into making a complete runner.
3. Try a new workout. If you normally run 800 repeats every week, try doing shorter reps or longer ones. The difference can invigorate you and get you to new places.
4. Try a new workout location. If you normally run the same loop, over and over again without any changes, you’ll want to try a new place. Always run on roads? Try the trails! Always run in the city? Try a quiet country road! Always wear headphones and GPS? Try going without!

Today’s the day we get to celebrate being a runner. Yeah, we’re different and yeah people don’t “get” us, but that’s what makes this day even more special. The fact that our sport has a national day dedicated to making us look good is very motivating! I’m excited to get to share this holiday with all my friends and competitors – near and far!

Happy National Running Day, friends!

Welcome to the Running Coaches’ Corner!

For coaches: Link up each week to post your favorite running tips and coaching ideas.

For runners: Link up with running successes of your own and gather insight from running coaches!

Link-Up Rules

• Join your hosts Running on Happy, Coach Debbie Runs, TrainwithMarc, and Crazy Running Girl each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup!

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