Forming good habits...

Forming good habits is important in life. In the long run, it makes things easier. For example, if we have the habit of keeping things neat all the time, then cleaning is always easier. If we have the habit if writing a "to do " list each night, we can manage time better the next day....and so on.

If we want to be serious about any of the training we do, then good habits in running are important too. Most people take running for granted. After all, you just do it. Most people were born healthy with the physical ability to run (at some level) never being a factor. Maybe a mental factor, but physically you don't even think about it.

I would argue that to be a good runner, one does need to form good habits around every aspect of the activity. Every aspect you might ask? Running has aspects? Of course, yes...now let me explain.

Time management
Proper eating
Proper rest
Overall nutrition
Education
Form
Staying to specific work outs on selected days
Buying good gear and equipment

and so on....

One might say that all of the above are defined more as discipline than habits, but that is all one in the same. Having good habits means being disciplined and means that come race day, one will find success more often than failure.

For me...its never easy. I want to eat what I choose, drink when I want, and sleep in when I can. I'm sure we all battle that to one degree or another. I get this somewhere along the way about once a week. Then when that starts to happen, the little voice inside my head starts screaming...GO RUN YOU LOSER!!! It's usually that voice I listen to most...the voice of reason...the voice of habit.