How to motivate yourself to run and get started

Marathon running is becoming trendier and trendier as years pass by. Maybe you want to feel fitter, be healthier, run for your own personal satisfaction or just for the perfect Insta photo or Facebook post at the finish line. Whatever your reasons for running, getting started is the most important factor. For some people, running comes naturally and won’t need any sort of “push”. These types of people may already love long-distance running, have self-discipline and are ambitious to obtain their goals. Others may need a little more motivation.

Being a physiotherapist working with children, I can attest that motivation is crucial in obtaining targets. This can take many forms, for example, if a child is learning how to walk, getting a hug from their caregiver or getting that awesome toy they like is the best incentive. This ensures compliance with the exercise program I provide and makes the experience more enjoyable for all involved. Even though you may want to start running for different reasons other than hugs and toys, the analogy still holds. Find what motivates you; focus on achieving your goals and the task will not seem so daunting.

Obviously, if you feel satisfied while running or after a run, this will be an easier habit to maintain. If your main motivational factors are just the external rewards such as a trophy/medal/Insta photo this might be slightly more difficult as those rewards are rather temporary. However, it is definitely not impossible. Marathon running, like many sports, is a mental game as much as it is a physical one. Therefore, focusing on “I can” rather than “I cannot do this” is of vital importance and enjoying the process is the best part.

The following are some tips that may help getting started easier:

• Join a running club. There are many available around the island

• Run with a buddy

• Listen to music while running

• Start slowly. Start with small targets such as 1km and increase slowly accordingly and avoid injury (the next blog will be about injuries).

• Start with running short races

• Reward yourself after achieving your goals

• Tell your friends about your runs and be accountable

In conclusion, if you have the clearance from your medical doctor, don’t postpone and say I will start tomorrow, or I am too tired today.

 #noexcuses #STARTNOW