1)Accept that it’s going to hurt and stay positive
Much as we’d love fitness and running to be a quick fix, it isn’t. It is going to hurt, it’s going to be hard, and it’s going to take time- but that’s okay! When you come trundling back from a 1 mile run sweating buckets and feeling like you’re going to die, power through- it will only get easier. As my favourite literary character says:
“KBO. Keep Buggering On.”- Bridget Jones
2)Invest in your kit
This may sound incredibly shallow- But if I feel like I look good, then I run better. Its just the way it is. And looking at this more practically you need good kit to train well, whether you’re running or swimming or cycling. Although it sets us back a bit, invest in your kit. Also- it will encourage you to get out there and train if you know you’ve just spent 80 pounds on a pair or running trainers!
3) Have a good balance between rest days and train days
I’ve got very good at listening to my body and knowing when I need a rest day. Its normally weekly- though sometimes I’ll take two a week if It’s been a particularly intense training week. And they’re so important- yes to prevent injury, but also mentally- you can’t train all the time… you need some fun and the odd glass of rose without worrying about getting up the next day to run! However be strict with yourself, as one rest day can often develop into 2, then 3, then 4. Listen to your body but don’t use this as an excuse to slack.
4)Train with friends
Obvious I know. But at least once a week run/swim/walk with a friend. It’s amazing how much of a boost it will give you to know someone else is going through what you are!
5)Get inspired
I LOVE listening to running podcasts- particularly the women’s running podcast. Its full of inspiring stories about amazingly cool women who run, from super speedy marathon runners to less speedy 5k runners. And I love it. It gets me super inspired and makes me feel like I’m in a community- and that encourages me to keep going no matter my speed or distance. It really makes you realise that
the pain you’re experiencing has very much been felt before by other runners… and if they can do it-so can you! Also get inspired by eachother- I can’t tell you how many inspirational stories I’ve heard from friends over the last few weeks where they ran their first 5k or just got out and ran a mile- and its seriously so inspiring and motivating.
6)Be consistent
V similar to my first point- but I quite fancied coming full circle. I listened to a podcast today where runner Tasha Thompson, founder of black women run, said this:
“I am not a fast runner. But what sets me apart is my consistency.”
And its so true-regardless of what type of training you’re doing if you stick at it, you will get results, and its as simple as that. If you run a mile and then never run again, you will not see results. So power through- it does get better! Today I went on a 5 mile run and genuinely thought I was going to die. Why? Well honestly, I had a couple of drinks last night, and it always affects my run the next morning. However, I did it. Yes I’m now dead. But doing that run is a lot better than not doing that run- regardless of how slow I did it and how hard it was for me to do it.
So whats the message
Keep at it. Power through the pain. And I promise you, you will get there.x
KEEP BUGGERING ON
Add comment
Comments