Are you going back to running after months and months of being a couch potato? A regular running routine can help you stay mentally strong and clear headed. Running is as much about mental routine as it is physical. It’s easier said than done. However, there are some tips you can do to run, and reach your fitness goals and achieve a good mental state.
- Manage your expectations.
Once you decide to start running again, you’ll find yourself setting some parameters. You’re thinking of running how long? Expectations of running fast and far often keep individuals from running at all. We tend to set unrealistic expectations of how we think things must go. The result? We procrastinate. We’re scared we won’t do it properly. This may lead to disappointment.
Running means different things to various people—it can be one mile or one block. Manage your personal expectations and adjust your framework.
- Eliminate the drama.
Get rid of the victim mentality. Take away those defeating thoughts about why you cannot run. Your feet won’t hurt. The weather’s fine. You can certainly go for a run. We tend to have plenty of drama out of inconveniences. It’s a simple event. You can do it.
- Embrace your current state.
For a short while, after you begin running again, you won’t have that much motivation. Don’t worry about it. That’s fine. Just do your best and accept it as part of the process. It’s normal not to feel comfortable at first.
- Lessen friction.
Make running-related things easier for you. Grabbing your shoes and clothes should happen easily – no thinking required. Set your running gear right next to your bed. Once you wake up, you can just grab them and head out.
- Choose the right gear.
Look, running gear doesn’t have to be expensive to work amazingly. Just see to it you have comfortable clothes and shoes that you would actually enjoy using. It can help make the process more pleasant.
- Consider it a part of your calendar. Running is an appointment.
Add running to your planner, like you would any other meeting. Stick to it.
- Commit to a bigger program.
If you need bigger goals to keep yourself motivated, commit to a fitness program and work with a coach. If you can, you can also join an upcoming rise. Whatever it is you choose, track your progress and commit to the task.
- Remember your “why.”
What is your ultimate “why”? Why do you want to start running? Most likely, you want to feel better, physically, emotionally and mentally. Talk yourself through it. See to it that the habit will stick.
Focus on breaking your goals into smaller, more manageable action items. That way, it’s a lot easier to get started. Be brave enough to stick to the habit. Help yourself. Getting over the hurdles takes time. You’ve got this.
If you want to read more articles like this, feel free to check out Brave Girls Club.
