Many people create New Year’s Resolutions about starting to run. The trick and probably the hardest part about it is to stick with and don’t give up. There are several easy ways to keep the resolution strong.
First, begin with a specific plan that is within your reach. General goals are usually too easy to give up on, and goals that are too difficult will be easy to break.
Specific: Find a certain amount of time that you want to go run (i.e. 20min, 30min) and find time for that 3-4 times a week in your daily schedule. Write these times down on a calendar or set a reminder on your phone. If you have a race you would like to train for write down the date and keep it in mind every time you don’t feel like running.
Next you’ll need the right kind of shoes. In Austin it is not hard to find a local running store, once you do get yourself outfitted in the appropriate running shoes. If you’re a shop-a-holic like myself, nothing says “yeah I get to run tomorrow” more than when I have a new outfit to run in, but that isn’t necessary you can run in whatever makes you comfortable. Comfort is key to keep yourself going.
Hold yourself accountable for your time. If you find it hard to that find a local group in your area that meets at specific times and people that you can get to know that will help hold you accountable.
If you decide to run on your own start slow, there is no need to start a new lifestyle change and get injured right away. Take baby steps (especially if you are a brand new runner). Begin walking with intermittent spurts of running. For example, walk for ½ mile and run for ¼ mile and walk the remainder mile. If ¼ a mile is too far to run begin smaller. With each week try and run a little longer making your walk smaller and your run longer. In no time you’ll be running a full mile and in a few months you’ll be running a 5k. You can also look up Beginner running programs on line that will help you make a plan.
Reward yourself. Small rewards throughout your training period will also help keep you motivated. If it’s a small sweet for every 1/2mile you run without stopping or a new pair of running shorts for every mile, these things will keep you going through the long haul.
So remember these things and you’ll reach your New Year’s Resolution to start running in no time.
- Specific goals
- Right running apparel (i.e. shoes)
- Start small to prevent injury
- Hold yourself accountable.
- Reward Yourself.