If you’ve started running this year, here’s how to keep up the momentum
It’s natural that the early January fitness motivation will drop slightly by the end of the month, but that doesn’t mean it’s the time to rest on your laurels.
So, firstly, to all those who have started running this year, congratulate yourself. From a personal perspective, I’ve been out and about quite a bit training for my upcoming marathon, and it’s been great to see so many runners joining me. It’s inspiring.
Remember, you are the ones who are actually getting active this January, despite the cold weather and rain. That’s the hardest hurdle. Getting started.
Don’t stop now
Now you’ve started, consistency is your best friend. A few weeks ‘off’ and you’ll suddenly be back at square one with zero motivation. Keep it ticking over, even when you don’t want to.
Whether your motivation is to get back running, get started running, lose the Christmas holiday weight, or just get fitter this year, the key to your success will be in settling into a sustainable and enjoyable routine.
That means realistic goals, pacing yourself and mixing it up a bit (change up your running routes and add strength training to your regime you are getting bored). Don’t expect to be reaching your peak after just a few weeks. Progress isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.
If you stick with your running, you’ll soon reap the rewards. And each run will become easier to complete, and easier to get up and start. It’s both a mental and physical thing.
So, always keep in mind that even when you feel you aren’t making enough headway, don’t worry. You aren’t the only one. Just keep at it and it will 100% get easier. Results take time.
Finding motivation
Keeping motivated is tricky, but it’s crucial if you want to smash your fitness goals. If you are struggling to find any inspiration, find yourself a running partner — a little friendly competition is good and you’ll be more incentivised to go out a run.
If you don’t have any running pals, think about signing up for something like Park Run — the free weekly 5k runs that happen all over the country. My local is the Tooting Common Park Run which happens every Saturday morning. Hundreds turn up to get their run in.
If you do end up taking a week off from running, don’t be too hard on yourself. But equally important is don’t get into a lazy pattern. One week off is fine. Letting that turn into two weeks or more is losing any progress you’ve made. Each run missed will make the next run harder. If you don’t have the time, even short 20-minute runs will help keep the legs ticking over.
Maintaining running momentum
Keep your running goals in mind and find what motivates you. We’ve got a load of running stories on our ‘Vivi Stories’ page so check them out if you need a dose of inspiration.
And if you are yet to start running, check out our blog on taking your first steps.
Originally published at www.vivination.co.uk on January 25, 2019.
