New runners know that it can be tough to make running a habit in their lives. Running can be daunting when you’re starting out, and it’s so easy to get overwhelmed! So many of us start with the best of intentions, and then quickly lose motivation. It creates an unproductive cycle and leads to frustration, discouragement, and quitting. Let’s talk about our top three ways to fix that!
Carve Out The Time
When you want to make running a habit, you need to schedule time to run on a regular basis. It could be three times a week or it could be every day. Those details aren’t important: what matters is the consistent commitment to the acitivity. Whatever you choose, block off that time on your schedule and get it done.
Make it fun!
If you’re happy, you’re way more likely to keep pushing forward and sticking with your activity. Find the things about running that put a smile on your face and then do those things! It could be running with friends, or treating yourself to little rewards, or joining up with a regular group. Again, details aren’t the point: it’s giving yourself some reasons to keep going that’s going to help push you.
Keep Moving The Goalposts
If you only have one goal, there’s nothing to keep you engaged after you’ve succeeded. Mix it up and make it interesting! Try a longer distance, or switch from roads to trails. Challenge your PR (Personal Record). If you’ve conquered speed, try to go for distance. Or if you went out for a really tough half marathon, maybe register for something fun like a donut run, to mix things up. There are so many options.
Bonus Tip: Get Your Rest
We often downplay how important rest can be to any consistent regime. The reality is that you overdo anything, especially running, the burnout comes fast and furious. Take a break and take care of yourself, too. Ironically, it’s crucial to keep you moving towards your (changing) goals!
No one said running was easy to maintain, but there are ways to make it EASIER! What other tips do you have?
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The hardest part of running (and working out in general) when I was first getting started was doing it consistently. I ended up making it a goal to do some sort of movement every day, and once it become a habit it was so much easier to keep up with. Then I got into a good routine of working out 5-6 days a week. That was almost 20 years ago now so it’s definitely worked!
Great tips. When things get really busy, I always look ahead and think “when am I going to get my workouts in?” Blocking off time on my schedule really helps.
It’s always hard to start a new habit, but once it becomes part of your lifestyle it’s easier to maintain. I would tell anyone trying to start running to just commit to it for three months, and be very consistent. After those three months, you can reassess the situation and decide if you want to continue. But you have to give it that time to really know if you like it or not.
What Lisa said. Consistency is the key. It helps if you can corral a friend into running with you. Plan a delicious reward after. Sign up for a race… and it doesn’t have to be run a PR.