Building a Running Habit

Whether you were once a collegiate athlete and the star of the cross country team or new to the sport, building a running habit starts with the first step (pun partially intended).

Running is challenging when you’re de-conditioned and that in itself can make it mentally tough to start. However, here are a few tips and tricks to start running.

Sign up for a race

Guests commit to attending weddings a year out when they receive their “Save the Date” in the mail, so why not commit to something for yourself a little sooner? Many “Couch to 5k” programs can be done in as little as one month from race day. Put it on the calendar so there’s no excuse not to get out there!

Make your workouts appointments

Block off your calendar for 30 minutes or an hour so that nobody tries to book a meeting during that allotted time. This guarantees that you will have time for yourself, your health, and will give you a nice boost for the rest of your work day.

Set out your running clothes the night before

If you want to create a running habit first thing in the morning, set out your “uniform” the night before so you don’t have to think about it when you wake up. Start the day with a sweat and reward yourself with a fresh shower before the rest of the day.

Listen to a podcast or audiobook

Music is great for hyping you up on a fast run, but a serial podcast can make you want to run again just to listen to the next episode! Who's the murderer? Don't leave me hanging!

Give yourself a Gold Star

Daily habit trackers are a great way to stay consistent. Use a calendar or make a numbered list from 1-31 (or however many days are in that month) and make a check mark or put a sticker on that day if you ran. Make the goal as attainable as possible; it could be just a mile per day and if you run more than that while you're out there, that's a bonus! Just a mile per day for a month adds up to more than a marathon, and that's more than those who chose to not move at all. As I've seen in corporate fitness, adults are also motivated by stickers!

Buddy up

Run with a friend! Set a consistent time and meet up around the block. You wouldn't bail on a friend waiting outside in the cold, would you? Of course not! When someone is counting on you to be there, you'll show up for them and for yourself.

These are just a few ways to take action on your running habit. If you need more support, I can be your coach! Contact me to get started!