If you’re anything like me, then you do not understand people that say “I love running” or “I feel so great when I run.” For those people who are not into running, it can be very difficult to begin the endeavor and, for those who already run from time to time, it can be difficult to keep up the motivation. Here are a few tips that may help you really get into running:
Get a buddy:
A great way to begin running on a regular basis and to keep up the motivation is to find a committed running partner and set a schedule with them. When you run with someone, it actually helps motivate you and you’re able to go farther than you originally thought. A running partner also makes it more difficult for you to back out of the workout because you have someone else that is depending on you. By skipping the workout, you wouldn’t only be disappointing yourself, but also your partner, which is sometimes harder to handle.
Keep track:
Another important tip is to not compare yourself to others. There are always going to be people that are faster than you and that can run farther than you. But more than likely they have been running and training for a lot longer than you have, so there is no comparison. Keep a log or a chart of your run distances and times and base your success off of your own improvements, not how fast you are compared to the guy running on the treadmill next to you at the gym. In the beginning, it will be hard. You may not lose weight immediately, or you may not run the mile faster, but don’t get discouraged. Your body is just adjusting to the new workouts and you will soon begin seeing results, so keep at it!
Train for a race:
Whether you want to begin training for your first 5k, a half marathon, or a full marathon, the basics are fairly similar. First, you need to sign up for a race with a specific date. This makes the goal of running the race more realistic and gives you a specific date to work up to. Make sure that you give yourself ample time to prepare for the race, but don’t sign up for a race that is so far in advance that you give yourself time to procrastinate. If you’re looking to run your first 5k, try giving yourself 1 to 2 months to train. If you want to run a half marathon and have already done a few 5k’s and maybe 10k’s then try giving yourself 2 to 4 months to work up to a half marathon. If you are a pretty avid runner and would like to start training for a full marathon, try giving yourself anywhere from 4 to 8 months to train, depending on your physical condition and ability. Only you know exactly what you’re capable of. Races are a great way to stay motivated and also a great way to meet new people. There are race communities all over with people just like you, ranging from beginning to expert level, that want to train for an upcoming race with other people for the extra motivation. With a few quick searches on the internet, you will be able to find some training plans that fit your needs—anything from a 5k to a full marathon. So get out there, sign up for a race, and start training!