You have to be crazy to enjoy running. At least that is what some people believe. Running is boring. It is also hard, occasionally painful, and not always gratifying.
So why even bother trying? Maybe you want to improve your health. Lose a few pounds. Find a healthy outlet for stress. Develop a lifelong hobby. Compete against friends. Challenge yourself. Build up confidence.
Whatever the reason, running is certainly worth the struggle, but sometimes the struggle is just getting out the door. Not to mention, staying out and finishing your run once you ARE out the door. For the runner - both experienced and novice - here are a few tips to developing/maintaining a runner's lifestyle.
1. Join a group
One of the best ways to motivate yourself to get going is to have a friend or group of people there to run with you. Having a support group there to experience the agonies and ecstasies of running is an amazing feeling. They will also motivate you to stick to your training plan, and make each run more enjoyable. I personally hate running alone 90% of the time, and the conversations you have while on a run can range anywhere from serious political debates to games of "Would you rather?"
2. Gear up
Knowing how many miles you are running and what pace each mile is completed in is an asset to most runners. Therefore having a GPS watch is a great way to keep on top of your pace and distance. If you are shooting for a particular time/pace, you can glance at your watch and adjust accordingly.
Some runners only run with music. Some never do. Some do occasionally. It is all a matter of preference. Once in a while though, a little pump-up jam (particularly before races) is a great way to prepare yourself and make those solo runs more bearable.
3. Go nude
Please do not take this literally and run around your neighborhood without any clothes on. What I mean by running nude is running without that GPS watch or music. Sometimes, runners get so focused on the pace and distance, we forget to enjoy the run. The same applies to music. Occasionally, one should disconnect themselves from all forms of technology and just run. Done sparingly, it can be a very refreshing experience.
4. Find a race
Running without a perceivable purpose is tough for anyone. Even if your goal is to challenge or better yourself, having a race lined up to train for will help keep you motivated. When you feel like giving up, just imagine how much better you will do in the race if you keep going!
5. Continually set goals
Another important aspect of running is setting goals. Set goals that are not easy to achieve, but are not impossible. Once you finally reach that goal, move right on to the next. It might help to post a sheet with your goals somewhere you will see it regularly. Once you achieve one goal, cross it off and write up the next. Take pride in your accomplishment, but never sell yourself short. We are capable of great things!
6. Reward yourself
When asked why they run, some people would answer with something like: "So I can eat whatever I want!." While you shouldn't eat a dozen doughnuts in a single day (big mistake), you should not feel any guilt when you eat a big bowl of ice cream or extra slice of pie after a long run. Try not to use every run as an excuse to eat deliciously unhealthy food, but in moderation this can be great incentive.
7. Develop routine
It helps some to incorporate running into their regular routine. If you run everyday at the same time, you will be more likely to stick to your plan. If you skip a run one day, you will be amazed how badly your day can be thrown off.
8. Mix it up
While routine can be great, you shouldn't condemn yourself to the same thing everyday. Change of scenery is vital for anyone who wants to run longer distances regularly. If you ever feel stuck in a rut, try running somewhere new, do a new workout, or maybe shake up your running schedule entirely.
9. Buy some new running gear
If you begin to struggle with your runs and workouts and have tried everything you can think of, buying a new pair of shoes or running tights can give you a second chance at finding your motivation.
10. Slow it down
Too often, people think they need to run hard each day they run. Those longer runs are called easy runs for a reason. You should be able to maintain a little chat with fellow runners. If you run too hard too often, you will suffer for it. Save those hard days for workouts and instead relax and enjoy those long runs
11. Speed it up
Similarly if you catch yourself barely jogging in a run, a little burst of speed may be necessary. Consider doing a fartlek workout to loosen up.
12. Take a break
Running is tough. Mentally and physically, it can take its toll. To get the most out of your runs, you should never feel mentally/physically worn out. If so, try changing things up and look at the above tips. If all else fails, it may be a good idea to take a day or two off. Or a week. Whatever it takes for you to develop the DESIRE to run again.
13. Share your journey
Blogging, keeping a journal, social media, these are just some of the options out there to share your journey. Building a community of support online is great if you can't find that real-life support group.
14. Appreciate the run
When all is said and done, we each must find out own motivation to run. Search motivation videos if you are still at a loss. Having the option itself to run is something we should each appreciate. The personal growth and development that result are further reasons for appreciation.
