How to maintain motivation

It can be difficult for some to remain motivated to keep running. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and let workouts fall by the wayside. But staying consistent with a running routine has numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. Here are a few tips to help you stay motivated and make running a sustainable part of your life:

1. Set specific, achievable goals: Having a clear objective can help keep you motivated to stay on track. Whether it’s running a certain distance in a certain time or training for a specific race, setting a goal will give you something to work towards and help you stay motivated. Tip: Increase the distance or duration of your workout by 10% every week.
2. Find a running partner: Having someone to run with can make workouts more enjoyable and help keep you accountable. It’s also a great way to socialise and make new friends. Tip: Get involved with a nearby running club to become an active participant in the local running community.
3. Mix up your routine: Doing the same workout every day can become monotonous, which can lead to a loss of motivation. Try to mix up your running routine by trying new routes, incorporating different types of workouts (such as interval training or hill repeats), or joining a group class. Tip: Hop in your car and explore different trails available on Strava!
4. Track your progress: Seeing the progress you’re making can be a great motivator. Keep a running journal or use a tracking app to record your workouts and see how far you’ve come. Tip: Strava has become the gold standard for runners, but I will present some more technical details about it shortly.
5. Reward yourself: It’s important to celebrate your accomplishments, big or small. Set small rewards for yourself along the way and give yourself a big reward when you reach your goal. This can help keep you motivated and make your workouts more enjoyable. Tip: Participating in virtual runs, such as The Conqueror, can be quite exciting! Simply link it with Strava and you may find yourself the recipient of a celebratory medal delivered by the postman.
6. Don’t be too hard on yourself: It’s natural to have ups and downs when it comes to motivation. If you miss a workout or don’t meet a goal, don’t beat yourself up about it. Remember that exercise is about improving your overall health and well-being, and it’s okay to take breaks or have an off day.

By following these tips and being consistent, you can maintain your running motivation and make exercise a sustainable part of your life. Happy running!