Many runners are successful when beginning an exercise program but tend to keep it up for a relatively short period of time. Because of this, they rarely see all the positive results that are possible. To prevent this from happening to you try some of the following tips.
1. Schedule exercise first. We always find time for those things that are most important to us. If you schedule your exercise like you do every other appointment you are less likely to re-schedule or cancel your session with yourself.
2. Give your workout a fair chance. Starting anything new can be uncomfortable, physically and sometimes emotionally. Get some instruction in the basics, joining a ?learn to? group or ask a friend to mentor you.
3. Start slowly. Your body needs time to adapt, progress and see results. If you rush the process you can be sidelined with an injury, illness or become overwhelmed. Be patient.
4. Keep it individualized. What works for someone else may not work for you. Move at your own pace, use equipment specific to you and your abilities. Get some advice and assistance from your local running store on what might work best for you.
5. Keep a workout diary. Studies show that journaling leads to success because we can see what we have accomplished, and feel more compelled to do it when a blank page is all you get when you don?t. Go low tech with a calendar or high tech with an online program like
www.trainingpeaks.com.
6. Forget about being perfect. Many people hesitate to undertake activities they lack skill in. With one foot in front of the other, how can you go wrong? Resist the urge to use words like ?just? and ?only? as in ?I just run 5k?. All distances and efforts are taking you in the right direction and remember...everyone has to start at the beginning.
7. Half a workout is better than none. When time is pressed for your scheduled work-out, cut it in half. Flexibility is key to success.
8. Give it six to eight weeks. This is the amount of time it takes your body to experience physiological changes and to develop and embrace a new habit.
9. Make it enjoyable. If you do not enjoy it you will quit. Change your speed, distance or route until you find what works for you. Join a club, start a group or register for a race.
10. Just do it. Forget the excuses, stop procrastinating and start running.
If you are looking for a race to get motivated here are some of the usuals: Frozen Ass 4k/8k Snowshoe Race on February 5. If the weather does not cooperate, this will become a trail race. Sears Kids Cancer 5k on March 18th in Belleville and the Spring Thaw 4k/10k on May 13th in Belleville. Returning from 2011 will be the Cookie Tri/Du Series while new for 2012 will be the ?SNM Birthday Weekend Trio? a 5k/42k/21k run May 25/26/27. Run one, two or all three, more details to come.
