Running tips - Keep it up
When you first started running, nothing could stop you pulling on your trainers and heading out the door. But now your enthusiasm has waned and you're looking for excuses to do anything but exercise.
If this sounds familiar, don't despair. Even keen runners with years of experience find motivation levels vary from time to time. It's never too late to start again, so read on for tips to help you stick to a running routine.
Start by thinking about your reasons for avoiding a run. Is your current routine boring, or too challenging? Have you not seen results as quickly as you had first hoped? Be honest with yourself and you will start to identify the real reasons for your lack of motivation. Once you know why you are struggling to keep going you will be able to make some changes to your routine and keep on running.
Here are some of the main barriers to establishing a successful running routine and ideas as to how to overcome them.
Boredom
Many people cite boredom as a key reason for giving up running. Pounding the same route day after day can soon become dull, so vary your route to keep it interesting. If you usually run on a treadmill in the gym try swapping one or two sessions a week for a run in your local park.
If you already run outside but are tired of looking at the same streets, get online to look for inspiration. Running communities and forums are a great source of ideas and also offer the opportunity to make contact with other runners in your area. Running with others is a good way to relieve boredom, plus you will be less likely to skip sessions if you have arranged to meet up with a partner.
Lack of time
Once exercising becomes part of an established routine it becomes a habit. And as we all know, habits are hard to break. Decide which days and times you are going to run and plan your week accordingly. If you find you constantly have to ditch your run because you have to stay late at the office, plan to run before work instead. Or if you struggle to get out of bed for a 6am run, try running at lunchtimes.
When you have told yourself and others that you run at a particular time and day, breaking that commitment will become more difficult. And once your body and mind have got into the habit of exercising at your chosen times you will be out there and running before you even have the chance to think twice.
Lack of results
Think about why you started running in the first place – was it to get fit, lose weight, or simply to get outdoors and boost your energy levels? Whatever your reason for starting to run, not seeing the results you had hoped for can cause motivation levels to fade.
Keeping a running diary is a good way to help keep track of progress and remind yourself just how far you have come. Buy a notebook and start to note down some specific information after each run. If your goal is to lose weight, note down how many calories you have burned during each session. If your reason for running is simply to do some exercise and get fit, note down the distance and time. Looking back at a diary will help you recognise your achievements and inspire you to do more.
Even if you are managing to stick to a running routine, having a specific goal or target in mind can make exercising more enjoyable. Signing-up for a charity run could give you an added incentive to keep training, while collecting sponsorship money should mean you are less likely to duck out at the last minute. As your level of fitness increases you could set yourself harder targets, such as a 10k run or even a half marathon.
Remember that the more you run, the easier and more enjoyable it will become. So get out there and keep running!
Other April Articles
Health benefits of chocolate >
Dreaming of your summer holidays?>
Back to Friendly Forum >
Other monthly articles>