Week 1 as a RUNNER!

This week was the best week for me to start my learning challenge for two reasons: 1) I'm on spring break and have more time to devote to exercise, and 2) the weather has been AMAZING, so I wanted to spend as much time outside as possible. This week I followed the first week of the calendar to a tee. I also bought myself a new pair of running shoes which was a tip on many of the websites I used as a resource. Early in the week I noticed something that  frustrated me although I  suspected it would happen... I was bored while running after a short period of time. Therefore, I looked up a couple tips in order to not get bored while running. After my first run/walk session, I decided that it was important for me to create a "running" playlist. This way I would stay motivated and focused while running. Another tip that I decided was important was to change my running routes and surfaces. The first two days I ran on a dirt trail behind my house. The next two days I ran at the gym on a treadmill because I also read that it was important to do core exercises as well. For the rest of the week I was creative with my routes; I planned them outdoors because it gave me more to be inspired by. 

I was pleasantly surprised as the week progressed that I my endurance when up, and I was able to run further distances without getting winded. I also noticed a change in my mood and energy level throughout the day. Even though I was frustrated earlier in the week, I feel I have a better understanding of what I need to do in order to stay motivated.