December 28, 2016 (Updated February 22, 2023)

Reframing Makes all the Difference

by Anne Mauney, MPH, RD

20 comments

Hi guys! Just popping in with a tip that sometimes reframing/changing your mentality about something makes all the difference. 🙂 I was reminded of this a few days ago and thought it might be helpful to share!

As you guys know, we spent the holidays this year in Pittsburgh area with Matt’s family. On the 23rd, Matt met up with some high school friends for a late afternoon pick up soccer game. He wasn’t sure the game was going to happen and we were going to go for a run together if it didn’t, so when I first found out it was happening, I was like: “Boo, I wish you could come running with me – I want to run but don’t want to go by myself.”

As is probably obvious since I always run with others, I have a hard time motivating to run by myself, especially when it’s afternoon or evening. But, I’m working on not having to rely on others to do my thing (and not having to have others there for something to be fun) and instead decided to frame it as some nice solo, refreshing “me time.”

So – I rode down to the soccer spot with Matt (it’s in a nice flat area of town, good for running) and then fired up a podcast (This American Life – love it) and took myself on a nice solo run date.

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And guess what? It actually ended up being awesome! I didn’t wear my watch but I ran for a bit over an hour and I’m pretty sure I covered close to 6.5 miles – wow. Pretty much the second I started running it felt really good – and I actually really enjoyed the time to myself, too. What a nice surprise and a good reminder that sometimes the hardest part is just getting out there – and that changing the way you’re approaching something in the first place is also huge.

So – the next time you’re struggling to do a workout, whether it’s because you’re alone or just generally unmotivated, try a simple mentality re-frame. So rather than thinking “boo, a boring run/workout”, or “Ugh, I HAVE to do this” – try “oh yay, I GET to do this – I’m exited to have the opportunity to refresh and have some nice de-stressing time.” 🙂

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Can anyone relate to this? I’d love to hear if you’ve had similar experiences lately – or if you try this after reading about it here!

- anne

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20 comments
  • Meg
    Absolutely. I used to be a workout queen. A 10-mile run on a weekend was normal. Now, as a mom, I rarely have time for those workouts. When the 45 mi utes I'd planned dwindles, my first reaction is--"now it's not worth it." I reframe it, saying, "Well, 20 minutes is better than nothing." I never regret it.
    Reply
    • Anne
      Good for you for still getting out there! So true re: any amount of time being worth it. :)
      Reply
  • Lora @ Crazy Running Girl
    I love this! Sometimes it's so easy to get caught up in it and view it as "another chore." But it shouldn't! We are lucky that we can just pick up our running shoes and get out and RUN.
    Reply
    • Anne
      So true my friend!
      Reply
  • chiara
    I can absolutely relate: when I first moved to the United States (4 years ago) I was terrified to go to a yoga class by myself. I used to live in a big town in New England where there are many young female professionals, and thanks to them, a chill place like a yoga studio can become mean-girls territory where yoga becomes about Lululemon fancy pants and headstands. As I realized that I could not rely on that single friend I had (I am a foreigner who just relocated thousands of miles away from home and with a very busy work schedule), I started to go to class by myself, learn the sublime art of not caring. I didn't care (and I still don't) if I made a movement wrong, or if I couldn't do a headstand, and I actually started enjoying yoga as a meditative and self-growning discipline. It changed my life and now I can't live without practicing everyday. I go to class to learn, to improve, to bring my practice to a new level and not to show off.
    Reply
    • Anne
      I love this Chiara - good for you for challenging yourself to do something out of your comfort zone - and to learn to enjoy it. :)
      Reply
  • Joan Miller
    What always motivates me is to think of the people who can't run. Both my mom and sister are wheelchair bound. I don't "have" to run I "get" to run:) PS, my first time to comment but I have enjoyed your blog for a few years and thank you for sharing your healthy wisdom and lifestyle with us readers!
    Reply
    • Anne
      So very true - I think of this a lot as well. Thank you so much for reading! :)
      Reply
  • Debbie
    100% agree! The hardest part of working out is starting. When I'm able to, I'll put on workout clothes first thing in the a.m. to motivate myself to get moving. I love your tip about re-framing your mindset to thinking about how fortunate we are to be able to be active. You inspired me to go out for a run today!
    Reply
    • Anne
      Yay! Enjoy your run! :)
      Reply
  • Coco
    I"ve always been solo runner, although I do like to run with someone else from time to time. It's my MIA time, when I am truly connected with myself. :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      It's all about finding what motivates you! :)
      Reply
  • Erin M.
    Nice post! I'm trying to remind myself on days that I don't feel up to it that running and working out are privileges that my body allows me to do. I'm working on my perspective toward my body and it's humbling to realize that and try to appreciate it.
    Reply
    • Anne
      Good for you, Erin - it's all about changing that mentality!
      Reply
  • Tanya
    I am the worst at needing a running buddy to be motivated. I really want to work on this too! This was the encouragement I needed!
    Reply
    • Anne
      Extroverts unite! We can do this! :)
      Reply
  • Tracy
    I LOVE running by myself. I consider it my time - to think about whatever I want, or to think about nothing at all. Embrace that time on your own. Personally, I love my own company, lol! I do sometimes go with hubby as well though when he has an activity, and use the opportunity to run in a different part of the city - always fun and time flies by with new scenery! Happy New Year, Anne!
    Reply
    • Anne
      Thanks Tracy! I think I'll always love runs with other people more - but I'm working on loving runs by myself, too. I'm getting there! :)
      Reply
  • Roadrunner
    Very good example and advice!
    Reply
  • Kris S
    Love this post! :) I can totally relate- mindset does so much!
    Reply