Guest Post: Meet Toni

Apr 14 2011

The Belles are super excited to share with you Toni’s insights. Toni blogs on Running, Loving, Living and has so much wonderful info over there- be sure to check her out.

~Meet Toni~

Hi my name is Toni, I blog at Running Loving Living and I am ecstatic to provide a guest post for Two Belles Fitness. I am a mother, wife, RN, and blogger, so with my busy schedule I am always looking for ways to stay motivated to run or work out. According to Wikipedia, motivation is defined as the driving force which helps cause us to achieve goals. Motivation can come from within ourselves or from an outside factor, but it doesn’t matter where it comes from as long as it keeps you progressing towards your goals.

I am currently training for a half marathon with a goal time of under two hours which also happens to be a super great motivator. There are some days I am so super motivated that I can just jump out of bed and go for a run, on the other hand there are some dasy where my self motivation is lacking and I need an outside push.

Here are my top 6 ways to keep motivated:

Create goals : Goals can be as simple as completing 10 full push ups or as difficult as completing a triathlon. Choose your goal based on your own fitness level and capability, but make sure you challenge yourself because the challenge is key to keeping you motivated to reach your goal.
Reward yourself : This goes hand and hand with your goal, when your goal is complete, reward yourself. A reward can be a manicure, pedicure, a new exercise outfit or piece of exercise equipment, basically whatever you feel is a good reward for you. Knowing you have a reward to look forward to after you complete your goal will help keep you motivated. My reward from my husband after I complete me half marathon in under 2 hours is $1000 toward a new computer, now this is a big reward because my old computer basically crashed, but every time I don’t feel like running this reward sure motivates me to get off my butt and go.
Health benefits : Reduced stress, weight loss or maintenance, more energy and reduced risk of chronic diseases are among the health benefits you will reap from a consistent exercise regimen.
Mental benefits : There are days I don’t want to work out but I know if I do I will feel less stressed, more energetic and generally better about myself. Never push yourself to the point of injury, if your body is really tired or in pain then a rest day may be in order but if you just feel lazy commit to 5 minutes of exercise I guarantee 99% of the time you will complete a 30-40 minute workout and feel great afterward.
Find an exercise buddy : Work out with a friend or join a running club. Sometimes you may feel unmotivated but if you know there is someone waiting and depending on you that just may be the motivating factor you need to get out the door.
Music : A great playlist along with some power songs can keep you motivated during a long run or any type of exercise. These songs help me push through a hard run when I feel like giving up. Two of my favorite power songs are:

You’re The Best (from the Karate Kid)
Gonna Fly Now (Theme from “Rocky”)

These top 6 factors can apply to anyone, you can take these tips and easily apply them into your daily life. I have some personal factors that also keep my motivated on a daily basis like my blog, I currently am chronicling my training for my upcoming half marathon on my blog and by doing this I feel accountable not only to myself but also to all my readers. This does not mean you should go out and write a blog but for me the fact that I can combine my love for writing and running into a place where I can share my experience with others keeps me motivated. I am also motivated every day by my two daughters Angelica(14) and Abigail(2), when they see me work towards a goal and try my best to complete it I know I am setting a good example for them to follow. Lastly, I am motivated by my supportive husband Chris who sometimes pushes me out the door when I don’t feel like running.

In addition to motivation sometimes I am inspired by others to keep working out and running. This past week I had the opportunity to see the documentary My Run about an ordinary man who ran 75 marathons in 75 days for a cause he believed in, he is inspiring. I am also currently reading the book The Long Run about a NYC firefighter and triathlete that was hit by a bus and his road to recovery after almost dying, he is inspiring. These stories inspire me to stay motivated and to continue along the path to reach my goals and dreams.

Follow my tips and use anything else that may motivate you to propel you toward your goals, knowing that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Good luck!!!

Thanks so much Toni for the motivational post!!! It definitely motivated us :)