Running for many can be a daunting task especially for those that haven’t participated in it for a long time because of lockdown or even ever before. However, the fear factor of mental resilience can be overcome in numerous ways.
We want to help you get back up on your feet and out that door running, so we’ve put together some handy tips to help you give it a go.
Listening to music/podcasts/eBooks
A very cliché option but it is known to work for so many people, not just when running but in the gym too to enhance workouts. By selecting a playlist, or an accumulation of songs that you enjoy listening to (preferably of an upbeat tempo) or even choosing a podcast/eBook of your choice can often make the run seem more effortless and flow a lot easier as you lock into your headphones. Give it a go and let us know.
Run a short distance
Running doesn’t always have to mean a 5k, 10k or half marathon or more. Simply getting out into the open air and even going for a brisk walk is a way to start. Always remember you are still lapping everyone who is sat on the sofa! Progress is progress however small it may be.
Run with a partner/friend
Having a running partner can really help flush those mental blocks away whether it be the weather, or you think you just can’t run or run well any longer. Your partner will be there to push you to keep going and will boost your competitive nature and desire to not want to stop which works both ways for yourself and your running buddy.
Break your run up
A bit like when you’re in the office with just one hour to go until the weekend, that’s just two, 30 minutes or four, 15-minute blocks. Use this technique when you’re running, set yourself a time or distance goal prior to your run and break this up into more manageable, less scary blocks to enable you to maximise your potential pre, during and post run.
Reward yourself
Make sure you reward yourself when you do get out and get a run in. Remind yourself of the feeling you get when you run and bank that memory or even write it down. The feeling of clearing your head on a run can be so satisfying. It’s sometimes difficult to remember that until you’re actually post-run. Reward yourself and remember those positive vibes. It will train your brain to want more next time, meaning more running!
Ultimately accepting that sometimes running will be hard but that won’t determine the outcome of forever as you’ll have days where it will seem amazingly smooth. Also validating your effort and your achievement is paramount to success and never compare your journey to another person’s because negative thinking can demonise a task before it has even begun.
Get out there and enjoy it and check out our latest medals.