Rain Coat
Long sleeve jackets (outerlayers)
Cropped/capri pants
Longer tight running pants
Shoes with good support
Sports bra with good support
Don't Give Up
The biggest thing about running is that it requires commitment to improve. Remember that everyone starts somewhere and that you won't be able to run a marathon on your first run in five months. Also take into consideration that continuing to run will make you faster, stronger, etc but skipping will put you one day back from where you were.
Set Required Dates
I use Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday as my set dates but often sometimes add in other days (such as Wednesday and Saturday). Being required to go one day will make it less of a choice, and rather, a commitment (as stated before). I also have a friend who I meet at Starbucks between our houses so if we want to see each other for a half hour or whatever, we both need to get out and run. Having a work out friend is really helpful and makes it less of a chore!
Push Yourself
No one gets faster, farther, or stronger by continuing on the same route at the same speed. Switch it up every once in a while. Choose the more hilly of the routes. Choose the one that goes through the park.
With or Without Music?
This is entirely your own choice but for me, I can't run with music. It's simply a distraction. I learned to listen to my breathing pattern, birds, kids, laughter, tires, engines, conversations, etc. I know plenty of good work out playlists such as this one by Kim. Find what works for you and go for it. The world is your oyster. Allow some time to adjust to both. I would suggest going for one run without music just to see if you like it. Who knows, you could get a little bit farther than before!
Make It About YOU
Make your time for running a time that you reflect on your past day. Or perhaps its a time for you to plan for the upcoming day. Whatever it is, make it a relief to be able to go running and be in your own head for just a little while. Remember that running is a positive thing and whether you're walking, jogging, or sprinting, the person inside the car is doing none of them. I was really self conscious about running especially at the start. Then I realized that everyone else who looks at me while running is probably thinking, "Man, I should be doing that!" Personally, running is a time for me to think about my life, future, past, dad, relationships, school, work, blog, etc.
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