Trading Places: Sneaks for Snuggies

For many months my life's theme song has been "The Lazy Song" but yesterday I traded in my Snuggie for running shoes and Springsteen's "Born to Run." Back in August I told you I was going to run the Philadelphia Marathon in November and share some training tips along the way. Yesterday was supposed to be marathon day, but it did not happen. The laziness I talked about in August was harder to kick than suspected, forcing me to give up my marathon dreams for lack of training.  Fortunately, Philly has a half-marathon on the same day with a course I have run before. So, I ate some carbs, said a small prayer and went running.

Around mile 10 my lack of training reared its crampy, achy, pessimism-inducing head; in other words I hit "the wall." Any runner can tell you about "the wall" i.e the moment the race gets incredibly long and you will do anything to be on the couch chillin in your Snuggie, click to MTV so they can teach you how to dougie.

With my parentals sporting their safety green running shirts

I digress but finding motivation to peel yourself off the couch or run those last three miles can be just as hard as the workout itself. Here are a few tricks for days when the couch vs. cardio battle comes into play:

1) Variety is the spice of life.  While running is my main form of exercise, some days I am just not in the mood to pound pavement. Having a back-up workout option for days when you want/need something different will get you up and moving. I like kickboxing or zumba as a treat away from running.

2) Change tracks. Great music makes for a great workout, so find tunes that work for you.  I love Top 40 pop, techno and 80s hits for working out. Beats and lyrics that inspire you will push you farther than you imagine; I listened to the Rocky theme 4 times (with the occasional air punch) during the half marathon yesterday.

3) Stylish steppin.  Wear clothes that are comfortable, supportive and make you feel good.  Feeling good is the easiest way to start looking good. By wearing workout clothes that accentuate those areas you've worked hard for is a wonderful motivator to keep them looking good.

4) One more ______.  When I first started running, I would increase my time/speed by running one more minute or one speed faster. Yesterday when I was shuffling along with turtles passing me, I went one more light pole, and then another and another until the end was in sight.

5) Fitness friend.  Having a pal that is working towards similar goals as you will ensure you get out for a run or make 6:00am boot camp on days you'd rather forget it. A good fitness friend gets you to lunchtime abs class when you'd rather read people.com while you chow down (thanks Corey.)

I finished the half marathon yesterday with the support of my family and a few of these motivational tricks.  Yesterday's race was just the motivation I needed to get back to running because baby, [I was] born to run.  What motivates you to work out?  Eating the occasional treat without guilt?  Wearing your skinniest jeans or the feeling of a good tired sweat?