Happy Monday everyone! It has taken me a long time, but the day has finally come for me to do my first ever Monday Running Motivation – #mondayrunningmotivation.

Why?

Because I have a genuine LOVE for running. Because it doesn’t cost anything at all to start running. Because running is an awesome sport that can take you places you never thought you would go. Because running is one of the best for weight loss (I will get to that in a future post). Because running makes you happy. AND because sometimes we all need a little motivation.

So, every Monday I will be posting a few tips from my running experience, especially for beginners, followed by a short motivational story (sometimes video too) to help you get your butt out the door too.

3 Beginner Running Tips You Need to Know

1. Don’t wear MAKE-UP, girl

The other day, Saturday morning to be precise, I went for a run and saw a few girls wearing a full face of make-up (one had even a ton of perfume) while running. The FREAK in me wanted to take their faces with cleanser, but the feeling ‘who-knows-how-a-girl-will-react’ held me back.

I’m obviously kidding. :)))

Quick explanation: When you go out running, several things happen to our skin. The first is sweating and the second is a slight relaxing and enlarging of the pores. Add a layer of a make-up on this and firstly you’ll end up with streaky make-up, but you’re also increasing the chances of a breakout. Our skin needs to breathe, especially during a good workout. Mix in sweat, heat and open pores and over time the skin will become blocked. Not everyone will get spots, but very likely will get an uneven skin texture.

Advise: Whether you go running first thing in the morning or after work, it’s ideal to clean your skin by using a cleanser before running (or any kind of workout) and put on only sunscreen (if you run outdoor) and moisturizer.
From a runner to runner: In case you simply CAN’T go out running without a mask, then grab a running hat and sunglasses. And leave the perfume for other occasions. Please!

2. Don’t put on so many layers

You know how many times I did this to myself? I think about a thousand times (not kidding!). Until recently when I decided to end this nightmare.

So if you’re new to the whole running thing, dress to run like it is 10 degrees warmer that it actually is. Believe me when I am saying that as soon as you get out of the door and get moving, you’ll warm up in a matter of minutes.

Advise: When you decide to take my advice, please don’t forget to drop me a line. I’d be so happy to hear that you didn’t put on so many layers. :) You’re welcome!

3. Try to wave back to other runners

In my eight years of running experience, I met two kinds of runners: there are those who, when running or even cycling in public, greet passing runners or cyclists, and those who do not.

Because I am pro-wave, I also encourage other fellow runners to do so. Ignoring totally that person just seems rude, doesn’t it? Honestly, this is what I kept telling to myself.

Until one day when I stumbled upon this scientific explanation that had completely changed my point of view. Researchers have found that in certain runners, the region of the brain for recognizing and responding to friendliness and common courtesy is missing. So if you’re interested for more details, read on here – Ask Dr. Daily: When Runners Don’t Wave.

Advise: The world could ALWAYS use more smiling and waving, even if it is one-way.

And NOW on with today’s story

Meet Fauja Singh, the world’s oldest runner, who took up running at age 89 and now at 104 years old he continues to run and walk every day.

Photo Source

IF HE CAN DO IT, SO CAN YOU! :) Watch the video and meet Fauja, one of my favourite runners here .

Did I motivate you to go out for a run? Then please leave a comment below and share a picture from your run on Instagram or Facebook or Twitter with both hashtags – #mondayrunningmotivation & #cookitfit. I’d love to see them!

Now off running & be happy! :)