Go Get ‘Em, Tiger.

Every now and then, I just need to give myself a good, stern pep talk when it comes to staying consistent with working out.  I have, for most of my adult life, been pretty good about working out 3-4 times a week, usually by running 3-4 mile jogs and then doing crunches and light weights at home, and occasionally by taking up pilates, yoga, or barre class in fits and starts.  (I usually get ridiculously bored of the routines in those classes after a few days, though, and drop and return to running.)

But guys.  Let me be honest: running is not fun.  It’s something I force myself to do because I know it’s healthy and it’s the fastest way to get ‘er dun (instead of driving to a gym or class, waiting for it to start, etc.)  I also like the idea that I’m in control of how far and how long I need to run and could poop out and call a cab home at any second.  I’ve never done that, but sometimes I lord it over myself as an option when I’m feeling really rough around mile 2.4.

While the feeling of awesomeness you get just after a good run — exhausted, exhilarated, strong —  is pretty incredible, running is still not exactly fun.  About 80% of the time, I’m actively wondering when I can stop running.  I’ve come up with all kinds of ploys to trick/distract myself, from counting to 100 over and over, to trying not to look at the time on my watch (but then I always end up cheating and roughly estimating based on the number of songs I’ve heard), to buying millions of new top 40 hits to keep myself fortified.  The Nike Run app is great because it will call out your mile marker and pace, which keeps me motivated (and running fast).

But sometimes, you just need to give yourself a pep talk.  And buy yourself some new goodies.  And then things feel back on track.  Some pieces I’ve been contemplating as a motivator: new wear-all-the-time tank ($39) in grown-up white; patterned capris ($74); and black-on-black-on-black (all black errrrything) Nikes (there’s something gangsta about this — $100):

This ultra-covetable Mansur Gavriel tote in pristine white would make for an expensive and fairly impractical but RIDICULOUSLY CHIC gym bag ($675), especially for your celeb-on-the-go look.  You know, when you can’t keep those pesky paparazzi off your tracks.

In need of a sweatshirt?  Throw on one of these cool-girl sweatshirts (on sale for $65):

I’m also liking a Nike sweatband ($9) with this gray hoodie ($90), a patterned sports bra ($80 — although let me be honest and say I usually just stock up on the cheap, colorful, and long-lasting C9 Champion styles at Target), and neon yellow Nike shorts ($40):

Finish with these futuristic Nikes ($120):

Alternately, go uber-bold with a black sweatshirt ($50), Nike sports bra ($40) and these bananas leggings ($145):

Also loving these new upgrades to my earbuds ($60); this asymmetrical sweatshirt from Adidas by Stella McCartney ($119); tangerine-and-gray New Balance puppies ($68); a crop-top-style sports bra from AxStellaMcCartney (on sale for $40); slim-cut sweats (on sale for $62):

Lastly: I can personally attest to the quality of these running tees from GapBody ($44), and this printed running jacket trimmed with pastel caught my eye.  So.  Go get ’em tiger!