Starting out on your running program may be easy at first, but keeping to it can be tricky. Here are some tips that are sure to ensure that you stay motivated and running for the long haul.
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It's easy to get out there and run for a couple of consecutive days. For the average beginner, motivation can be drawn as easily from the guilt of a couple of greedy Chinese New Year dinners.
But what happens the week after? When its back to work and school, and the guilt-after-feast has died down? If you aren't the sort who's naturally motivated, where will you draw the strength to keep to your running routine from?
Here are 10 of some of the easiest things you can do to ensure that you keep motivated and running for as long as you desire.
1. Swap the usual route for one that's more fun
Running in the same circles gets you down after a while. Try a completely new route, one that takes you past things that might be of interest to you, like that new hot girl that's moved into the neighbourhood, or your favourite piece of architecture.
2. Sign up for that marathon now!
The pressures of being ready for that marathon are sometimes all it takes to put someone in the right frame of mind to attack the distance. Plus, if you don't, there goes your registration fee.
For some, monitoring their success and progress as a runner isn't as easy, or encouraging as doing the math all in your head. Create a blog, write about it, look back from time to time to see how far you've come. Mark down things like distance, time, your different routes. You'll soon have an eager audience that'll be disappointed should you miss out on your posts.
4. Go the distance with music
Above all other methods of inspiration, we find that the right kind of playlist/ soundtrack to go with your run to be the best of all. Different kinds of music motivate different kinds of people. Try some Classic Rock. It works most of the time. Don't believe us? Try Queen's 'Don't stop me now' and see for yourself.
Above all other methods of inspiration, we find that the right kind of playlist/ soundtrack to go with your run to be the best of all. Different kinds of music motivate different kinds of people. Try some Classic Rock. It works most of the time. Don't believe us? Try Queen's 'Don't stop me now' and see for yourself.
5. New gear = New motivation
I remember the first time I got a pair of real running shoes. Bought it in the evening, ran that night to try it out, ran again the next morning to make sure it was still that good, and kept running routinely ever since. Splurge a little on your running gear, like clothes, shoes, watches. It'll only encourage to get out the door even more.
6. Watch a runner's movie
No, we don't mean the boring documentary on how beneficial running is for you. Try 'Prefontaine'. It stars Jared Leto as Steve Prefontaine. A legendary American Olympian who changed the world of long-distance running forever, and was the first athlete to put on a pair of Nike shoes.
7. Running improves your sexual performance
It has been scientifically proven. So do we really need to elaborate on this one? Off you go then...
8. Hang in there for just three months
It's a known fact that most runners find running to be their sort of drug. Take a seasoned runner away from running for a week and they'll probably just go mental. The trick? Stick to your running plan for three months. Surviving this will show you all the physical and mental benefits of running and you'll naturally appreciate much more than when you first did.
9. Get yourself a full-body mirror
Watch yourself turn into the new you. Soon you'll discover new curve lines, muscles and a whole new confidence in yourself.
10. Reward your runs
As with doing anything in life successfully, having a reward in place is absolutely crucial. Go book that massage or spa-treatment you've always wanted for the day right after your longest run yet. Or book yourself a table for you and a loved one at that fancy restaurant you've been dying to try. Reward your runs.
Sources: MSN Sports
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