This is an interesting article that I (accidentally) read in the HealthToday magazine that I receive for free. Usually I just throw the magazine away in the bin without even browsing through it but today I decided to flip through the pages. Lo and behold, I found this article, the content of which are not new but rather refreshing perspective. Just let's say I've been bitten by the running bug. I am seriously thinking of signing up on an upcoming night race in Putrajaya but maybe after I come back from performing Umrah next month. Right now I have to concentrate on my divine worship and duties. May Allah give me the strength and will to do so. This may be the last blog post before the divine hiatus. I hope this blog will still motivate people to live a fit and healthy lifestyle.Keep up the good work guys and gals!
Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned marathoner, it can be difficult to stay motivated to run on a regular basis. Loss of motivation can come from boredom, muscle soreness or even lack of time. It may start out slowly, with you skipping one or two runs here and there, but it may gradually progress to the point where you are rarely running if you do not find ways to stay motivated. Here are some tips to keep your spirits high.
Sign up for a race
Nothing gets you off your behind than knowing you have got a race coming up. No one wants to look bad on a race day. So find an achievable race that takes place in the near future, and be sure to sign up.
Set realistic goals
If you are a newbie, having a marathon as your goal may set you up for disappointment and you may feel demotivated when your training doesn't go according to plan. Break down those big goals into smaller, more manageable ones.
Create a blog or training log
Blog about your running experiences and you'll be surprised at the number of people rallying behind you. Post up your training schedule and the distance you've been chalking up. Talk about how you feel after every run. All it takes after that are a few 'likes' and comments from friends to keep you going.
Find a running buddy
This is a powerful motivator - the chances of you fulfilling your obligations are higher when you know someone else is counting on you. Sometimes, just knowing someone is waiting to run with you can motivate you to complete your work-out.
Listen to music
Music is a great way to keep you focused on your running. Songs with an up-tempo arrangement, feisty lyrics and speedy beats per minute not only help reduce the feeling of tiredness, but also increase performance levels by up to 20%.
Blaze a new trail
Every now and then, change your running route. There are plenty of routes around the city just waiting to be checked out. Varying your routes helps keep things fresh.
Vary your running regime
Don't just focus on long runs. Try out different terrains, eg hills, beaches and grass. Incorporate sprint intervals in your routine and keep running interesting. Variations in your running regime also help different muscle groups, resulting in you becoming a better runner.
Take a break
Incorporate rest days into your training programme. On rest days, you can either cross train to stay in shape or go for a massage to relax those muscles.
Celebrate your success
Every now and then, celebrate your achievements by giving yourself a treat. Go buy that pair of new sneakers you've been wanting for so long. Or meet up with your buddies for a couple of drinks. Go ahead and do it, because you deserve it. The treat will energise you and and reinforce your commitment to your training.
by Suren Haris Anwar founder of www.runfool.com in HealthToday April 2012
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