"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better man." — Benjamin Franklin
"Running! If there's any activity happier, more exhilarating, more nourishing to the imagination, I can't think of what it might be. In running the mind flees with the body, the mysterious efflorescence of language seems to pulse in the brain, in rhythm with our feet and the swinging of our arms."
— Joyce Carol Oates
We don't all have a Jillian Michaels or Jackie Warner yelling over our shoulders when we are feeling slumpy during our workout routines, but as the basketball player Marvin Phillips once said, "The difference between try and triumph is a little umph." For those times when you feel like falling into child's pose instead of eking out another five push-ups or hitting that down arrow on the treadmill, just remember that you can meet your goal if you just add a little oomph.
In honor of the the seventh annual Nike Women's Marathon, which hits the streets of San Francisco this Sunday, Oct. 17., I bring you this advice from a Nike-sponsored marathoner.
"Do the work. Do the analysis. But feel your run. Feel your race. Feel the joy that is running."
— Kara Goucher
Mamas may sugarcoat the truth, and our friends may have a way of skirting the obvious, but scales . . . they don't lie. And even though I'm much more about feeling good and being fit than I am about meeting a weighty number, I do find that knowing my weight sometimes helps me stay on track — especially during the holidays!
I've got a printout of this pic on my fridge so the next time I want to reach for a chocolate pudding, I'll consider grabbing a yogurt instead. What keeps you on track?
Need more motivation? Check out all of my words that move you.
"People say I'm around because I have a lot of heart, but I know all the heart in the world couldn't have helped me if I wasn't physically fit."
— Jimmy Connors, US Open Champion 1974, 1976, 1978, 1982, 1983
Need more motivation? Check out all of my words that move you.
"I am sick of four walls and a ceiling. I have a need for the sky. I have business with the grass." — Ibex
Motivation can come from mysterious places. This quote comes from the hem of my sporty tank top with shelf bra ($59) by Ibex, and it's a friendly reminder to play outside. Made of soft merino wool, the fabric wicks away sweat and washes up sweetly — no residual stink. I've worn my tank all Summer as a base layer on bike rides (it's been the coldest Summer in the Bay Area since the 1930s) and to hot yoga classes. The built-in sports bra is just supportive enough to handle jumping back into chaturanga when taking a vinyasa. Wool fitness gear works for any season. Check out the flattering details of the Balance Sport Top below.
Do you have any gear that inspires you to get up and move? Tell us in the comments section below.
In honor of National Running Day, here's a quote to remind you that every legend has a beginning.
"When I first started running, I was so embarrassed I'd walk when cars passed me. I'd pretend I was looking at the flowers."
– Joan Benoit Samuelson, winner of the 1984 Olympic marathon
Need more inspiration? Check out all my motivational quotes.
Here is a motivational quote FitSugar reader ChilePepper shared in the Get Fit For 2010 community group.
"No man is ever whipped, until he quits — in his own mind."
— Napoleon Hill
When I was training for the marathon, I started reading Runner's World magazine, and one of the articles talked about how the muscles can keep going long after the mind thinks the body is finished — a survival mechanism. So when I was training for long runs, and running the actual marathon (those last five miles, holy moly), I kept reminding myself that my legs were fine, it was my mind that had to keep going. And it worked, even though i really really wanted to stop and walk, I kept running until the end.
This is the last week of our Get Fit For 2010 community contest. The final challenge: share your before and after results to enter to win a $100 Nike gift card and our fabulous grand prize.
"I love women. I worship women. Don’t want to be any other woman but myself."
— Zoe Saldana
Ever since I came across this Zoe Saldana quote from her April cover shoot for Glamour, it's been stuck in my head. It seems even more perfect since March is National Women's History Month — let's hear it for the girls!
Looking for more motivation? Check out all of my words that move you.
