Guest Post – Make Running Fun
Posted: June 10, 2010 at 6:00 pmHello Faith, Fitness, Fun readers! My name is Danielle and I write a [new] blog titled Runs on Green. Today, I’m going to shed light on one of my favorite topics: Running! If you couldn’t tell by the blog name, I love it 😀
*Did you know that the left side of your brain is different from the right? The left side processes things in a logical, sequential, and analytical manner. The right side is responsible for intuition, randomness, and fantasy.
Ok Danielle, but what does this have to do with running?
Most of us spend our days working in high-stress environments and over-work the left side of our brain. Running is a great opportunity to let your mind wander! In fact, it’s probably the only part in my day where I really unleash my right brain. Consequently, I’m happier and look forward to hitting the pavement.
But sometimes [mid-run], the mind can wander into the realm of negativity:
”This sucks…I’m out of breath…how far have I gone??”
Thinking like this will only make exercise miserable and boring. Use this time to zone out and free your thoughts! Here are some things I pretend while I’m trekking around:
1.) I’m a cheetah running through the jungle. Sometimes I’m chasing after prey and sometimes I’m running away from danger. Just don’t rawr out loud…that’s weird
Power song: Jai Ho by The Pussycat Dolls (Slum dog Millionaire Soundtrack)
2.) I’m a soldier going into combat. I’m dirty, angry, and ready to go. Everyone’s depending on me. Don’t let ‘em down.
Power song: Headstrong by Trapt
3.) I’m a hardcore Olympic athlete. I just took the lead and the crowd is going wild.
Power song: Remember the Name by Fort Minor
4.) I’m a spy in a movie. I’m running to catch the bad guy and my life is at stake. Or better yet…I am the bad guy.
Power song: Pump It by the Black Eyed Peas
*If fantasy isn’t your thing (what…too mature??) then use this time to think about the last conversation you had, the people you haven’t seen in a while, or what the next topic for your blog post will be 😀 The point I’m trying to push is get in the zone! You should enjoy exercise. Perhaps you’ve already given running 20 chances and you still don’t enjoy it… that’s ok! Find a way of exercising that has you looking forward to the next time you get moving. And most importantly, make sure your right brain gets some exercise too 😉
Question from Tina…What ways do you have fun with exercise?
Tags: guest post
GREAT SONGS….I am definitely writing some of these down for my IPOD! Love it!
Haha I always pretend I’m the Olympic Athlete! These are great! I never knew other people do this too 😉
This is great! I love the cheetah one. And Jai Ho is a great song to run to!
This is cheesy, but whenever Chariots of Fire comes on my Ipod, I picture myself sprinting to some finish line.
I put music from the Rocky soundtrack on when I want to pump myself up. It’s kinda funny now that I think about it!
Usually my music helps. When I am really having a tough time and don’t want to finish during the middle of a cardio I repeat…”You can do it. Don’t give up.” Also usually the last song of my spinning class before cool down is Eye of the Tiger from Rocky.