HOW TO: Become a Running Geek

Five tips to help you stick with the sport for months and years to come.


Lisa Marshall |

Five tips to help you stick with the sport for months and years to come. – By Lisa Marshall

Geek

1. TREAT YOURSELF

Put some money in a jar after each run to go towards a trip (maybe to a race!) or buy a new running outfit once you reach a certain milestone. Research shows that while the distant promise of lost weight and better health may not motivate us to stick with an exercise programme, immediate material rewards do – particularly in the beginning.

2. TRACK YOUR RUNS

Keep a journal, or log your activity via a tracking site like strava.com or myfitnesspal.com. People who track what they eat and when they work out tend to eat less and exercise more, research shows.

3. DON’T JUST RUN

Schedule a meeting with a friend or co-worker who runs. Listen to a favourite podcast. Use your workout time to sort through a problem you’re having in your job or relationship. “Running can be a great time to daydream or come up with solutions,” says running coach Rik Akey.

4. JOIN A BEGINNERS’ GROUP

It helps you realise you aren’t alone in this and provides a place to swop advice on newbie challenges. Plus, there’s nothing more motivating than knowing someone’s waiting for you at the crack of dawn to go for a run.

5. GO PUBLIC

Tell the world you’re a runner. Set a mileage goal or sign up for a race, and share your plans on social media. Then you’ll have a network of people to help keep you accountable.

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