It is no secret that there is no shortage of emotional troubles among INFPs, so I thought I should share something that has helped me: Running

How I run:
First thing in the morning
I go running as soon as I get out of bed, before I do anything else. This way I don't forget to go. I don't start other things that distract me. I don't procrastinate it. I have been running for three weeks now, and I have not missed a single day.

Variable Distance
I run different distances on different days. This adds variety. The plan I personally use I got from my brother: Each week has three different runs, short, medium, and long. Monday through Saturday I run short, medium, short, medium, short, long, respectively. Sunday I take off. Each week I add 10% to the distances for the last week.
Personally, I started with .5 miles, 1 mile, and 2 miles. They are distances that are short enough for almost anyone to get started. .5 miles is basically just around the block.
You can also do something similar with time instead of distance.

Mapping the Run
If you are going by distance, you need to know how far to run. I use MapMyRun.com to map out my route. I map my routes at least the day before. This not only tells me where to run, it also gives me some anticipation for upcoming runs.

Reporting
I, personally, post the distance, time, and speed of each day's run on Facebook. My brother also calls and we talk to each other about our runs.
Whoever you report to, and however you do it, reporting gives you a sense of accountability and a level of self respect.

Running with someone
Running with someone gives a sense of shared accomplishment and connection. You are also much more likely to keep with it. You don't have to be physically running together. Just having someone else running that you can talk to, works.

Singing
Personally, I like to sing energizing songs while I run. It's not for everybody, but I find that it gives me energy, helps me keep going, helps me breathe, and is fun. Don't worry, you can sing quietly and hardly anyone can hear you. Or, if you like, you can sing out for the whole world to hear. Your singing is for your benefit, no one else's.

Running for a goal
My brother and I are working up to doing races in the fall. That goal is giving us motivation to keep running.

Have Fun!
Last but not least, have fun. There are not many things that feel better than finishing a difficult run.

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.sdrawkcab lla s'tI

YES! Running is wonderful! I did my first half marathon a little over a year ago. Currently I have a minor back injury which has been keeping me from running so I've tried weight-lifting. I've tried the light-weights/many-reps style before and it didn't do much for me. This time I'm doing a program that has me lifting weights heavy enough that I can do eight reps with good form, but wouldn't be able to do more without a rest, and keeping on increasing the weight as I get stronger. It only takes 10 minutes or so and it's a great way to boost mood and mental sharpness! A great pick-me-up in the middle of the afternoon. I work different muscles on alternate days so I get to do it every day.

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Fiction is just like real life, only truer.

Hmm, I tried running (barefoot running!) for a few weeks. I really liked it, and felt good, but for some reason I stopped a couple of months ago. Hmm.

I do walk a couple of kilometres most days, which is better than nothing!

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You like music, yes? I made some for you.

Walking is good too. Although it doesn't get the endorphins pumping quite like running does, it is still a really good thing to do.

I just did a night run. Very relaxing. 1.3 miles, time 14:45, 5.4 miles per hour.

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.sdrawkcab lla s'tI

I would love to run, but my weight and fitness levels make it difficult. At the moment I walk a lot, like 40 minutes or so 5 times a week or more, but I find that it's not actually increasing my fitness much, even if I alter my route, change pace, etc.

Maybe jogging for a few minutes a day is better than nothing?

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~I'll think of a witty comment later, or not. Maybe something to do with clouds?!~

Good for you, Fern. I wish more women would try lifting weights. There is this mistaken conception that weight lifting will make you huge and unfeminine but that's completely untrue. To get huge muscles it takes specific effort over a long period of time (in the kitchen and weight room). Just lifting heavy weights isn't going to make bulky muscles.

The benefits are enormous. It increases bone density which is especially important for women as they get older. It helps with balance, circulation, mobility etc. Personally I find some muscle on a woman to be highly attractive. Steroided bodybuilders are not, but no one is going to look like that just from lifting weights. Anyway sorry to derail thread, running is wonderful too and shares all the benefits I just listed for weight lifting.

Sure is!


This morning I ran over a mile in strong wind. I woke up and heard the wind outside. I thought to myself "Oh, man, this is going to be though." And, it was though. But I've found that the harder my run is the more victorious I feel when I'm done.

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.sdrawkcab lla s'tI