Running 101

Running is a very popular exercise as it's not only beneficial to your entire body but your mind. It's also free and requires little to no skill. Meet Alex a 15 year old Irish Runner.

• When and why did you take up running?

I started running in a club when I was 11 because my older brother trained there and I thought it would be fun.

• What has your experience been like with running so far?

My experiences with running have been very good in the past, runners are far nicer and 

friendlier than cyclists, triathletes and swimmers from what I can see.

• Is it as hard as everyone thinks it is?

It mostly isn't as hard as people think it is some people just say that as an excuse for being lazy, although it does require consistent training. the hardest part is actually going out to run..The running itself is fun, but to actually motivate yourself to go outside and do it especially in bad weather is the hardest part.

• What would you recommend for those who want to start running?

I'd recommend people who want to start running to go to their nearest club with some friends, You'll enjoy going down to it if your friends are there too. Also enter races and competitions because you need to race to improve.

• Alex's Achievements

7K All-Ireland Champion

7th in British and Irish Mountain running championships

I find having a good pair of earphones takes my mind off running. Click here for my review on the best pair for exercising.

"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that." -Fred Lebow, NYC marathon co-founder.

Weight loss motivation

How did you stay motivated to lose 22 pounds in 3 months? 

 I didn't. I was motivated for about 2 weeks then I wasn't bothered but it was determination that kept me "chasing" after my goal, (get it because I ran as cardio!)

Here are things that helped me stay on track (because I also sprinted!) 

1. My environment. Thankfully I have a brother that gyms all day every day so he showed me a couple things and was also into healthier eating so I was able to help him out too. Win win situation! My parents didn't buy as much junk food also. I went shopping with my mom and chose things I wanted to try out. With school, I brought my own lunch too.  
2. Changing up my workout and music playlist. My workouts ranged from Maximum Interval Training- Low impact eg. Insanity - Arm pedal exerciser. My playlist was upbeat but I had to constantly change it up so I wouldn't get use to it and try harder.
3. Getting new workout equipment/clothes. Whether it be a yoga mat or new running leggings the fact I was investing in those things made me want to use it even more. 
4. Following people who inspired me. Seeing people working out eg. joggers. I follow a lot of fitspirations on Instagram, Twitter, Youtube & PumpUp which is similar to IG except you post about health and fitness, you can create a workout also. I started a health and fitness group with friends which is really encouraging. We do weekly challenges and share tips and ideas. 
5. Cringey Quotes. They helped me run faster and train harder because they were true.                                  
6. Setting mini goals. Here is a picture of my weight loss motivation jar. It's pretty self explanatory but this helped because I walk past it every day and it reminds me of my goals and how far I've come, with weight loss we tend to forget that!  

"If you wait for the perfect conditions you'll never get anything done." -Ecclesiastes 11 vs 4

                                                                                         -Jen'shealth