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Staying motivated while running

Posted by on 16 May 2010 | 0 Comments

As you start to run longer distances, running can become more of a challenge. How do you stay motivated as you progress your running? 1. Keep track of your results. Measure each run and monitor your improvements. Try to improve on your time every run. Or measure the PRE (perceived rate of exertion) on hills and see if it improves. 2. Listen to music or a running program. Try listening to some upbeat music that will increase your tempo as you run. Running programs are also available to download and will set the pace for you. 3. Run with a friend. Running with a buddy always inspires you to run, and may even make you run at a faster pace. You are less likely to pull out of a run if you go with a friend. 4. Enter events. Entering an event either the same distance or smaller than the one you are training for is good practice and it keeps you motivated. 5. Determine why you are running. Sometimes if you know why you are running it keeps you focused. Refer back to the list if you start to waver in your focus. 6. Set a goal. Plan for an event or set small goals i.e. you are going to run a set number of km's per week each week for a period of time. 7. Vary your running routes. Planning different routes at various locations can make a run more interesting. Pick some scenic locations like at the beach or in the bush. 8. Take time off. Make sure you give yourself a break and rest your body during running cycles. If you are continously sore then you will not enjoy it.