Remember how cool it was to run as a kid? Why do we struggle so much today?
The reason people stop running is that the activity doesn't enjoy them anymore, and it's the same reason why we often don't run enough (or
when we do, it takes us 35 minutes to drag ourselves out of the house).
Yet running is really good: the benefits it brings with it in terms of health are many. Being aware of it, however, certainly doesn't make it a business anymore
fun!
Whether it's a bad period or a simple break, the time has come to find simple ways to renew the pleasure of running, so as to increase the number of steps taken and feel motivated to face an intense session of cardio.
1. Get inspired
The first step to start running is to find the right motivation. Check out our heroine Lucy, as she gets into it with running, or Elisha Nochomovitz, who has completed more than 6 marathons from her balcony. Take an example from others to find new goals to achieve.
Identify your goal: run your first 5km or 10km, your first half marathon, or maybe a full marathon. Insert some element of
challenge and remind yourself why you are running. Frame that motivation with your sweat. Often a good goal is enough as a push to start over
to appreciate the ride.
Unfortunately, however, that push doesn't last forever.
2. Accept that (sometimes) running is exhausting
Sometimes the best recipe to start running is to stop trying forcibly. If you accept that it is difficult (and stop for a moment to force yourself to feel a pleasant sensation), you can begin to relax and perhaps you will really begin to appreciate what you are doing.
Resistance and persistence go hand in hand, don't forget that. If you don't fully accept that it might be tough out there (which is fine anyway), you might
having more difficulty leaving the house.
What doesn't kill makes us stronger: always keep this in mind, because it's facing these kinds of challenges that makes us better.
3. Run more often
The sad reality is this: in 99% of cases, difficult businesses would become easier if only they were tackled more frequently. The more you run, the more your body will get used to it and the more you will improve.
Of course, no one likes to be out of breath or already feeling panting and sweaty just a few steps from the doorstep. So the more we can make the activity painless, the more chances we will have to have fun. The only way to achieve this, however, is to go out at least 3-4 times a week.
Only by running more and practicing will you begin not only to feel less pain, but also to appreciate the more enjoyable aspects of this discipline. Getting carried away is the most powerful source of motivation in sport, so much so that you can't wait to get out again! If there's something you should be doing (and you're not doing it already), it's running more.
4. Run slower
Running doesn't have to become a race. You don't necessarily have to go faster than the previous time or do better. Use goals to motivate yourself, but without making the race always so exhausting.
Giving 150% today could lead you to want to give 0% tomorrow, so better keep some balance and don't overdo it too quickly.
This could be the reason behind your refusal to run: too much speed. Take it slower.
5. Find something to do while running
Whether it's music, podcasts, audio files to learn a language or a phone call with a friend - you can really hear everything while running. Don't limit yourself to music.
In this worldwide poll, 61% of runners said they hear something while running. Why not try to be one of them? They do it for
one reason: it is a pleasant activity beyond the fact that you are running.
This solution, however, is not for everyone. Some lose focus and experience less pleasure from running with a constant ringing in their ear, so adapt our advice to your personality.
6. Treat yourself to a post-run reward
Do you want to feel some emotion on your return? Find something to look forward to, after all, running doesn't have to be sweat and fatigue.
Treat yourself to a nice reward every now and then: who ever said you can't enjoy a pizza or a dessert once you're done?
Also in the survey for runners, 18% said they enjoy a pizza after the run. So relax, have a drink and make yourself one, or alternatively some frozen yogurt. Positive reinforcement doesn't just work with dogs!
7. Run in a group
It is proven that starting to run in a group is an effective way to push yourself to cross the threshold of the house. There is a reason why people often exceed their usual performance during marathons: this is where factors such as adrenaline, concentration and the fact of being surrounded by 1000 people doing the same activity contribute. Yes it's in
competition against everyone else.
If you run with someone, then it's even better. With a running mate you can chat, laugh and behave like accomplices in the enterprise.
45% of people prefer to run in a group rather than alone. If you are of the same opinion, get a few friends to join you, or run with the
your better half by transforming the activity into a couple workout. Simply because there is more taste to share.
8. Think very positive!
Finally, do not forget that, although starting to run can be tiring, it also hides some beauty. Imagine being able to run a marathon. Feel fit, fast, serene like you've never been. Remind yourself of the sense of well-being you will feel after recovery. And keep in mind the sense of freedom or achievement, as well as any good feeling you get from running.
Just like post-run rewards, positive thoughts also improve associations associated with this activity. If just before falling asleep you pass in
review all the best aspects of running, you can be almost certain to wake up full of good intentions. "Yes, I can!" it's the right spirit to get you out of bed or sofa in no time.
Conclusion
Starting to run isn't always easy, but it doesn't have to become an impossible feat either. Just take some precautions to get rid of bad habits and start having fun again. Remember the importance of keeping motivation high and thinking positive, and also try to change your approach to this activity. Then go and tie your running shoes. What are you waiting for?
