11 Ways to Love Your Runs Again..!!!

 

Turn Your Run into a Grand Performance...

Running isn’t just about physical movement; it’s about mental strength. When the journey feels tough, I turn my path into a stage and transform the experience entirely.

Imagine this: the road beneath your feet stretches out like a red carpet. The trees on either side are your spotlights, the rhythm of your steps is the beat of the show, and every person around is a part of your audience. You’re not just running; you’re performing your victory lap.

1. The Clapping Trick: 
   
   It all started when I noticed older uncles on my running route doing clapping exercises. Their rhythmic movements intrigued me, and rather than getting distracted, I used it as inspiration. I began visualizing their clapping as a standing ovation—an acknowledgment of my effort, resilience, and progress. Every clap became fuel, pushing me forward.
   
   Now a question might strike you “How to Create Your Running Stage”:
   
   Set the Scene: Choose a mental theme for your “stage.” It could be a marathon finish line, a concert, or even a grand celebration of your accomplishments.
   
   Involve the Crowd: Imagine everyone around you—fellow runners, onlookers, even animals—cheering you on. They’re not just there; they’re rooting for you.
   
   Revel in the Applause: Let every imagined clap or cheer boost your energy. Their support reminds you why you started this journey.
   
   Celebrate Your Triumph: Visualize crossing the finish line, the feeling of confetti falling, and the applause intensifying. Even if it’s an ordinary day, feel extraordinary.
   
   Let’s understand “Why It Works”:
   
   This mental imagery technique rewires your focus from exhaustion to exhilaration. It turns mundane stretches into moments of celebration and fills your mind with positivity. By picturing yourself as the star of your run, you give yourself the validation you might seek from external sources.
   
   So, next time you run and see someone clapping—whether it’s an exercise or just a random gesture—think of it as applause for you. After all, every run is a stage, and you are the star performer.
   
   
2. The "Cheerful Playlist" Hack:
   
   Some days, I struggle to lace up my shoes and hit the road. On those days, I rely on my playlist of “cheerful anthems”—songs that make me feel invincible. One particular moment stands out: halfway through a grueling 10K, my favorite track, Unstoppable, came on. I felt an instant surge of energy and picked up my pace. For that moment, I wasn’t just running; I was a warrior charging toward victory.
   
   
   Tip: Create a personalized playlist filled with songs that pump you up. Save a few favorites for the hardest parts of your run, so they feel like a secret weapon.
   
   
3. Celebrate Milestones with Rewards:
   
   Once, during a particularly long training session, I promised myself a coffee with steamed momos treat if I completed the run without stopping. The thought of that cappuccino and steamed momos kept me going, and when I finally sat down with it, every sip and bite tasted like an accomplishment.

   Tip: Reward yourself for achieving small milestones. It could be a snack, a relaxing bath, or simply marking the day as a win in your journal, on your Instagram page, or for your records.

   
   
4.  Mantras in Motion:
   
   A simple mantra can be transformative. During one challenging hill trek cum run, I found myself repeating, One step, one breath, one hill at a time. This rhythmic repetition helped me focus and silenced the doubts creeping into my mind.

   Tip: Find a mantra that resonates with you. Repeat it in your head with every step, syncing it with your breath. It could be as simple as, I am strong. I am steady. I am unstoppable.
   
   

5. Gamify Your Runs:
   
   One evening, feeling uninspired, I decided to play a game with myself: I would sprint to every lamppost and jog between them. This simple trick turned my run into a challenge I was excited to complete.

    Tip: Set mini-challenges for yourself—like sprinting to the next landmark, beating your previous pace, or overtaking the runner ahead of you. Turning your run into a game makes it more engaging. 

6. Reflect on Your "Why":
   
   There was a rainy morning when I almost skipped my run. But as I stared out the window, I reminded myself of my reason for running: to feel strong, clear my mind, and honor my body. That thought was enough to get me out the door.
   
   Tip: Before every run, take a moment to reconnect with your purpose. Whether it’s training for a race, improving your health, or simply enjoying the outdoors, let your “why” guide you.

7. The Power of Visualizing Success:
   
   During a half-marathon, I hit the dreaded wall around mile 9. But instead of dwelling on my exhaustion, I closed my eyes briefly and visualized crossing the finish line. The crowd’s cheers, the feeling of accomplishment—it was all in my head, but it felt real enough to pull me through. 
   
   Tip: Use visualization to keep yourself motivated. Picture the finish line, the joy of reaching your goal, or the pride of a completed run.

8. Connect with Nature:
   
   Every morning before I begin my run, I pause, join my hands, and thank the rising sun. It’s a small moment of gratitude that fills me with energy and sets a positive tone for the day. Watching the vibrant colors of the sky reminds me of the immense beauty surrounding us, even during tough times. This ritual leaves me feeling grounded and inspired, ready to tackle the run ahead.
   
   Tip: Start your run with a moment of gratitude or appreciation for nature. Whether it’s the sunrise, the rustle of leaves, or the cool morning air, let these simple joys rejuvenate and motivate you.
   
   

9. Start Small, Aim Big: 
   
   When I began running, I set smaller, manageable targets like 3km runs or 5,000 steps daily. These small victories kept me consistent and built my confidence. Joining virtual challenges on apps like Decathlon or Adidas Runtastic or Strava added a spark—tracking progress, earning badges, and leveling up felt like an adventure. The running community’s leaderboard and group runs offered camaraderie and motivation, making every step more purposeful.
   
   Tip: Start with a goal that feels achievable and sign up for virtual challenges. Celebrate each milestone and connect with the community to keep your journey exciting and rewarding.
   
   
10. Capture the Glow: 
    
    After a run, I make it a point to take a sweaty glow selfie—not for vanity but as a badge of honor. That post-run glow, with flushed cheeks and a beaming smile, reminds me of the effort I put in and the strength I built. It’s my way of celebrating the journey and feeling proud of what my body achieved.
    
    Tip: Capture your post-run glow as a visual reminder of your hard work. Over time, these pictures become a gallery of progress and perseverance, motivating you to keep going.
    
    
    
11. The Importance of Proper Running Posture:
    
    As you reach the end of this journey, let’s focus on a critical yet often overlooked aspect of running—posture. Maintaining the correct posture during your run can significantly enhance your speed, pace, and overall performance while reducing the risk of injuries.
    
    Here’s how to master your posture while running:
    
    
    a) Keep Your Back Aligned: Avoid tilting too far forward or leaning backward. Your posture should be upright, with your spine in a neutral position to ensure optimal alignment with your body.
    
    b) Mind Your Arm Movement: Imagine a small box around your torso. Your arm movements should stay within this box, moving in a smooth, rhythmic manner. Avoid crossing your arms over your body as it can waste energy and disrupt your balance.
    
    c) Gentle Foot Placement: Avoid placing your entire foot flat on the ground. Instead, focus on light, springy steps where your feet gently roll from midfoot to toes. This reduces the impact on your knees and feet while keeping your motion fluid and injury-free.
    
    d) Relaxed Shoulders: Keep your shoulders relaxed and away from your ears to avoid tension in your upper body.
    
    e) Eyes Forward: Look straight ahead rather than down at your feet. This keeps your head aligned and helps maintain proper posture.
    
    Pro Tip:
    Run as if you’re gliding over the ground. Imagine being pulled forward by an invisible thread attached to your chest. This mental cue helps maintain a forward, upright posture and promotes efficient movement.
    
    By being mindful of your posture and movements, you’ll not only improve your performance but also enjoy the run with reduced strain on your body. Remember, the art of running is as much about technique as it is about endurance!
    
    
    
    Running is more than just a physical journey—it's a celebration of your strength, resilience, and willpower. Whether you're visualizing your victory lap, capturing your post-run glow, or simply reveling in the rhythm of your steps, remember this: every run tells your story. Lace up, step out, and let the world witness your performance.
    
    The stage is yours!
    
    Stay updated and inspired—follow my journey on Instagram by clicking the image below! 
    
    
    

Yoga & You...!!!

Discovering My Inner Self Through Yoga: A Personal Reflection…

By Harsha Joshi

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

I still remember how I wished to pursue this journey but wasn’t sure about it how and what should be done to start off this. With all of my ambitions and passion for wellness and fitness, I have released that every individual at some point needs a little push.

Though my inclination towards fitness started in the year way back in 2015 when I was pretty much into home workouts, cardio exercise, and running. Running was back then my prime love, it was more like a therapy. I started participating in marathons and until today I am following the same pattern.

But this blog is all about my journey of transitioning from a beginner yogi to a certified yogi and hence here I am expressing my joy in words about the journey of Yoga!

“Finding My Inner Zen: The Start Of A Life-Changing Yoga Journey”

I started practicing yoga over five years ago, it was on and off and sometimes Nothing. I was extreme in doing self-practices for a few months and then not at all for months. The benefits were remarkable, I knew, but ultimately depending on my busy schedule and my mood I couldn’t properly make it a ritual.

Then there was a time when I actually decided to dedicate my 15 mins to Yoga self-practice. Back then in 2020 when Covid hit the whole world badly that time, I was stuck in Goa, jobless, and couldn’t go back to my hometown with the country lockdown and travel restrictions. Everything was falling apart and every morning I woke up with the hope that this shall pass too!!

Amidst the growing concerns and anxieties surrounding the environment, yoga became my refuge. Starting with just 15 minutes a day, I found myself increasingly drawn to my mat with each passing season, allowing my self-practice to grow to 30, 45, and eventually 60 minutes. Through the calming and centering effects of yoga, I found a source of solace, helping me to relax my body and quiet my mind.

As my interest in yoga grew, I began researching the various courses, accreditations, and certifications available. However, the abundance of information on this topic often left me feeling overwhelmed. Although my friends and family were supportive of my passion for yoga, they were hesitant about the idea of me leaving my job to pursue the course full-time. Despite this, I was so enthusiastic about yoga that almost every conversation I had revolved around it. However, as I tried to answer the 5W1H questions (What, Where, When, Why, Who, How) related to pursuing a career in yoga, the complexity of the decision became more apparent.

“From Practitioner to Teacher: My Transformative Yoga Teacher Training Journey”

After much contemplation, I finally decided to pursue my passion for yoga by enrolling in an RYT 200 course. I wanted to find a course that would allow me to work and follow my passion simultaneously. Although there were many excellent options available, I preferred to attend a course in Bangalore for personal reasons. I searched extensively to find the right course that could help me manage both my career and passion. My search eventually led me to Ashish Yoga Fitness Center, in Bengaluru which offers 200 hours of intense multi-style yoga teacher training courses affiliated with Yoga Alliance USA. I joined their offline Yoga Teacher Training Course in September 2022.

The vibe of the place was truly mesmerizing, and the faculty was incredibly generous. They went out of their way to accommodate my schedule and make the course feasible for me. As soon as I started the course, I experienced a boost of positive energy that will elevate my personality and cultivate greater poise within me.

Theory classes were a revelation, providing me with a wealth of knowledge about yoga, its traditions, various forms, benefits, and limitations, as well as anatomy. However, it was during the theoretical classes that I truly began to understand the practice of yoga. The practical classes were intense, lasting for 2-3 hours, but they were worth it. Though I experienced a great deal of pain during the advanced asanas practice, the experience was transformative and helped me to deepen my practice. The 200-hour yoga teacher training covered a range of styles, including Ashtanga, Hatha, and Multi-style yoga, and the addition of props and aerial yoga was a beautiful and unforgettable experience.

As I’ve reflected on my yoga philosophy, I’ve recognized that every person’s yoga journey is distinctive and personal. I don’t want to give the impression that my practice should be followed, as yoga is an intimate and unique practice. I want to honor the essence of yoga by preserving its uniqueness, and I believe that encouraging individual exploration is the best way to achieve this.

Overall, my yoga journey has been both challenging and enlightening, and I am grateful for the knowledge and experiences I have gained.

“Embarking on the Journey to Become a Certified Yoga Teacher: Steps to Follow”

If you're passionate about yoga and want to become a yoga teacher, there are several steps you can take to achieve your goal. Here are some suggestions you may consider:

• Develop a regular yoga practice: Start practicing yoga regularly to understand the various poses, sequences, and breathing techniques.
• Choose a style: Explore various yoga styles and choose one that you feel most connected to.
• Choose a Yoga Teacher Training Program: Research and select a yoga teacher training program that suits your needs and preferences. The program should be accredited by the Yoga Alliance and provide you with a minimum of 200 hours of training.
• Attend a teacher training program: Enroll in a yoga teacher training program that offers a 200-hour certification. The course typically covers yoga philosophy, anatomy, teaching methodology, and practice teaching.
• Obtain certification: After completing the training program, you will receive a certificate of completion. Apply for registration with Yoga Alliance to become a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT).
• Start teaching: Begin teaching yoga to gain experience and confidence. Consider starting with friends and family, or volunteering at a local studio or gym.
• Continue learning and growing: Keep attending workshops, training sessions, and classes to continue your education and expand your knowledge and skills as a yoga teacher.

“The Path Ahead: My Vision for a Fulfilling Future in Yoga”

In the near future, my main goal is to increase the frequency of my yoga classes to continue growing in my practice. Having a teacher to guide me has brought so much value to my journey, and I want to keep that momentum going. As a dedicated student of yoga, I have already enrolled in RYT 500 and PG diploma in Yoga Sashtra, and I am particularly drawn to the Yoga flow style.

I strongly believe that learning is a continuous process, and as a teacher, it is essential to keep seeking new knowledge and skills. Therefore, I am also eager to attend more retreats and workshops, and eventually, teach them too. Ultimately, my goal is to immerse myself as much as possible in the practice and share the benefits of yoga with others.

As I roll up my mat and take one final deep breath, I am grateful for the physical and mental transformation that my yoga journey has brought me, both on and off the mat. Namaste.

“Meet the Mind Behind the Mat: Getting to Know the Author of this blog -Yoga & You…!”

 Hi there! I hail from the charming hill station of Ramgarh in Uttarakhand, India, but I completed my academics in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. As an HR professional, I strive to excel in my career, but I also love indulging in my hobbies, such as dancing and sketching. I enjoy creating fashion illustrations, whimsical art, mandala art, and line art. Exploring new places is one of my passions, and I also like to read during my leisure time. I am always up for new adventures, whether trying out a new sport or exploring a new facet of life.

As an HR professional with six years of experience in the Hotels & Hospitality industry, I am well aware that my job requires a higher level of attention and dedication than what is often perceived for an HR person who works during general shifts. Despite the challenges, I find my work fulfilling and rewarding, and I am committed to making a positive impact on the success of the company and the well-being of its employees.

Love,

HJ