Runner’s World+ Member: Mike Novotny
Mike is a Runner’s World+ member. Join him and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online and in print!
I played sports growing up and through high school which provided enough regular exercise to stay fit. After high school I fell out of that routine and was not living a healthy lifestyle. During college, my wife started exercising regularly and eating healthy which eventually motivated me to do the same. However, I found many exercise options to require more thinking than doing. We started adding some running into the mix and I fell in love with it. It is something that is easily measurable which I like to track progress and I can really mentally escape while running which I love. I have now run 3 half marathons and have lost 20 pounds since I started running. I’m now physically in the best shape of my life and have realized many mental benefits as well, I have my wife and running to thank.
I joined RW+ initially for unlimited access to articles online. Since joining, I have really enjoyed the emails containing stories and tips from fellow RW+ members and coaches as well.
If I’m ever in need of some extra motivation to head out the door all I need to do is switch my focus from the effort needed to get through the run and instead think about how great I feel once my run is done. It clears my head for the day and always gives me a great sense of accomplishment. Various factors can dictate when I run on a given day but ideally I love to get up early and start the day off with a good run. In my opinion there is nothing like getting a run in first thing in the morning. Making my run a priority sets a good tone for the day.
I have a few routes that I run on a regular basis depending on the distance I’m going for. They are all road runs which combine residential neighborhoods with farm views along with a few hills. The best part is that they all start outside of my front door.
I’m a very analytical person who likes to measure performance. Whether it’s my pace on a particular run or the ability to look at my year-to-date mileage compared to the previous year. This is why I’m all about my Garmin watch. Currently I’m running with the Fenix 5 Plus. I love the features, multisport and everyday use, and technology that I carry on my wrist every day with this watch. I don’t leave home without it.
To run a marathon. I’ve been running regularly for 3 years now with 3 half marathons behind me. The one thing that is always in the back of my mind is the goal of putting in the additional time and mileage necessary to run my first marathon.
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