Starting running, some might argue, is the worst thing about running. Finding the motivation to start running is as hard as finishing a 50 mile ultra, but the feeling you get once you cross that threshold is just the same.
5 steps to help find the motivation to start running
1. Why do you want to run?
It’s important to know why you actually want to start running. For some it’s to lose weight, for others it’s to get fit or to see why it’s one of the fastest growing sports in Britain today. Once you know why you want to start, it gives running a purpose and therefore a sense of achievement once you start reaching your goals.
2. How are you going to start?
Now we need to look at HOW to start running. I’m going to sound like a broken record but having a plan can go a long way. Set out a plan on how many days you want to run and how far you want to be able to run. Like most sports activity, we would suggest starting slow with little distance and gradually build it up.
3. Getting the gear
Now if you’ve never ran before, I wouldn’t suggest getting the most expensive shoes out there, but you still need the right support for your feet. If you can, go into a running shop for them to help pick the right shoe for you. They are the experts and will get you the best shoe for you and your budget.
Shoes are designed for all sorts of feet: large, small, wide, narrow, long, flat, bunioned…. You get the picture! and for a variety of running styles, so getting your feet looked at can help you get the right shoe and therefore make sure you’re using your energy as efficiently as possible.
It is worth also looking at what terrain you want to run on. This could range from road to track to path to trail. If you are mostly running on roads, look at getting shoes with more cushion. But if you’re mostly running on trails, you want to have enough grip for the loose ground beneath you.
If you go into your local running shop, tell them your price range and let them analyse your running technique – they’ll give you plenty of options to choose from.
4. Get going
Just do one thing at a time, don’t look at the end destination and talk yourself out of it. Look at the next thing you need to do.
Even elite athletes and seasoned runners struggle to find the motivation to go for a morning run. They wake up and contemplate whether they want to go. Getting out of bed is the first thing they do, then put on their running clothes, then tie up their laces and suddenly they’re on their run and end up with the buzz for the rest of the day.
I know, I know, it’s not that easy but trust me – just start doing one thing and let that lead to the next until you finish that run. You can do it!
5. The next run…
Once you’ve done your first run, doing the second run can be just as hard… Again, the getting ready part you just take step by step but remember that buzz you got and strive for that feeling again.
As my personal preference, using Strava seriously helps (Other Apps such as the Nike Run Club are also available!). As with anything, having social pressure to do something usually has some influence on whether you’re going to do it or not. For those that don’t know, Strava is effectively an Instagram for exercise. You can show when and where you’ve gone on your run and how well you did and add any photos from the outing . It gives you useful stats such as your distance travelled, average pace and elevation gain. Other friends can then give you kudos on your run to help keep you going.
Comment below with any tips on how you’ve found the motivation to share with others!
I find using my Garmin watch motivates me to keep running!! I challenge myself to increase my pace or my distance every run.
Love the new website!