Background
People keep responding to my running posts that they're proud of me and that they wish they could do the same. They are impressed that I'm going out, regardless the weather. Well it's not that hard to make small changes to your life and follow my footsteps, slowly.
This used to be me
A few months ago I wrote this post about how I got to start running. Well in this post I want to give you guys some ideas how you can change your life slowly, step-by-step.
Keep track
If you can keep track of your results and achievements you have a 'natural' motivator. The longer you go, the faster you go, the better your pace, these are all easy ways to motivate yourself and you don't need expensive watches, bands or other gadgets. Most people have a smartphone nowadays and there are plenty of apps that will help you keep track.
I have an iPhone and it comes automatically with the 'Health-App'. This app monitors your movements whenever you have your phone on you. It is also pretty accurate and Apple has been improving this app with each update. So if you don't mind carrying your phone with you whilst you go walking, running or do other exercises , this is the easiest and cheapest solution.
a Screenshot of the Health-app
This is what I did in the beginning, however for what I did, I felt it did not fully meet my requirements. Back then it wasn't as accurate and there was no Apple-Watch to use alongside. So I downloaded a running app. Again there are loads to choose from, but I used the Runkeeper one as for me I felt it did meet my requirements. Besides monitoring my exercises it also gave me motivational alerts and reminders.
About a year ago I learnt about the Runister app. You open this app whilst you go running and it pays you for your exercises, as long as you do it running/walking. I don't know what they do with the data they collect from you and where the money comes from, but for those of you who don't mind, this is an easy way to earn something whilst you work on your health.
Screenshots from the Runister app
Now as I got more serious about exercising and started running more often, faster and longer, I wanted more accurate data. So I did a lot of research and finally purchased my trusted Garmin Fenix 3. The reason why I bought it was that I wanted it to moniter ALL my exercises, so not just running but also swimming, langlaufen and anything else I might do spontaneously. It also has sapphire glass so it won't scratch easily and it came with a heartrate monitor band. This really helped me push my performances to the next level as the data is very accurate. When I track the route it's almost spot-on and it also recognises altitude differences. Garmin have many products that might suit any person and budget, but this watch has been with me for more than 2,5 years and I swear by it.
the Garmin Fenix 3, it is both elegant and functional with the interchangeable bands
At the point when I was really into it, I also used an app called MyFitnessPall to help monitor the calories I took in on a daily basis. If the product has a barcode you can scan it and most of the times it will find it. If it's not in their database you can add it yourself by using the data of the wrapping or comparing to what others have listed on similar products.
All these apps and products have helped me go out on a regular basis and work on improving my lifestyle. Now that I am preparing to train for a marathon, it will be even more important to be disciplined and use all the tools available to help me work on this.
... just steem about it 😉
I hope this helps you in starting to improve your lifestyle and as always, questions and comments are welcome. I will do what I can to help you and answer them.
Thank you!
Today I did another run with one of my neighboors and it was a huge improvement on last week, when I didn't feel well. We did the same course, but this time I was accompanied by my other neighboor. So I just wanted to share these stats with you, for those of you who want to see more stats in detail or in general are interested about the stats that my Garmin tracks when I exercise, you can see it all here.
By the way, this exercise was a 5/5 in Training Effect
Thanks for your support and good luck!
Doron
!steemitworldmap 47.334180 lat 8.386726 long Oberwil-Lieli, Aargau D3SCR
Hello @wolfje, i remember time ago i used to wake up every morning, at 07:00 / 08:00 and start my day with a good breakfast and 20 / 30 minutes of running.
Idk how much km i used to do, like 3, 4 but well, after a while doing it, i feelt myself just great. I mean i know how important is running, nowadays im doing gym, on my own home. I have a static bike, but for some reason i dont use it that much. And well i have in mind to start running again, i had that propose for this year.
How much KM has that marathon that u will do? Have a good day mate, your post made me remember how important is running, and how cool was that feel when u come home after a good run. :))
I hope that I can get you into running again. I love the feeling of doing something, especially when it's bad weather and everyone else is home in the warmth being lazy.
A marathon is 42 KM.
I understand you and completely support you. And also, recently I invest some crypto earnings into Garmin fenix 5. Best investment ever, so much motivation just from few dials and numbers on screen.
Keep a good work!
Oh, you're making me jealous. The Fenix 5 looks fantastic. I don't think it's a huge difference with my Fenix 3, except for the built in heart monitor and the colour screen, but it looks fantastic, such a great piece of technology on your arm. Maybe before I do my marathon I will consider upgrading, but at this moment I don't see a need for it. Keep running!
Biggest difference for me is size, it is smaller and since I have small hand, it looks better. I was thinking about Forerunner 935 which is exactly the same as Fenix 5 just in plastic case, but since I am cyclist and mountaineer, I choose fenix as more robust solution. And it looks absolutely fantastic :)
Yeah, same here, I'm not a mountaneer or cyclyst, but I run in forrests and more robust areas, so I could hit my watch on rocks, trees, etc. I guess the Fenix 5 would suit my pulse better and I love the sapphire glas that mine has. But other than size there would be no reason for me to switch, thanks for that!
Really good post. I wish i had the same will
One step at a time bud, if you want to see how I started, I refer you back to the post I refer to in the beginning og my blog. I also started 1 step at a time.
One step at a time is the only way indees. Thanks @wolfje
Running with a buddy makes it always more fun.... I was looking for ways to track my runs, thanks for sharing the tools you use! :D
No problem. Yes, running with someone helps, but only after you have your own priorities straight. What if they can't make it one day, you should still go, but will you. This is where I am now, regardless of what my partners do (I have 3), I still go.
Great point. Even when your partners can't go, you go. Thanks for sharing that :)
i wish i knew about this app when i was in singapore! i walked so many miles there.
It's never too late to start!
This is interesting, I will look at more of your previous posts. I have an iphone, Ive neve use the health app, but I will start to. I do have a garmin vivosmart, I guesss I need to start using it lol.
Hi! Thanks for your support, @growingpower just upvoted your comment ;) Hope you have a great day
Yes definitely, easy ways to motivate yourself if you see the improvements you're doing.
Thanks. im trying my best
Thanks for always looking out for others, you are a good man, and I appreciate what you are doing
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing this boss, it's really what I've been looking for. A further insight to our discussion on discord
No problem.
Thanks for sharing this useful information
You're welcome.
Thanks for sharing this
Anytime.
Long way but you must to do the first step
That's what it's all about, making that first step!
Thanks For the information,very useful to me
Good luck!
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The real purpose isn’t to win a race. It’s to test the limits of the human heart.
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Hi, great pace on such terrain. Keep on working and keep on posting about running!
About MyFitnessPall, I think it is a great app for people who don't know how to start with changing their habits not only regarding eating, but also regarding being active, too.
Good luck with your quest to make a full marathon. But as I read your article it seems like you are getting there.
Thanks for sharing!
Cheers
Running is not also a great way to stay fit while traveling! you need no gym or court. Just a pair of propper shoes! while running you'll do sightseeing too, just keep an eye on the traffic ;)