So I know for a lot of us runners, it’s hard for us to imagine NOT running. But for your average Joe, running sometimes can be somewhat of a chore. It’s like, you want to do it, you want to actually be GOOD at it…but it’s hard to stay consistent and develop that habit that evolves you into that awesome runner. So if you can relate then this post is for YOU. Here are a few ways you can go from just being that once in a blue moon runner to a legit runner. Read on!
–Be patient with yourself. Just like any habit it takes some time to develop. Nothing is just going to magically happen overnight. Trust the process, and just get out there and get it going. You will take up that habit before you know it.
–Tell yourself you’re just going to to go out there for 1 mile. Seriously, I know that sounds silly but 1 mile for me always turns into so much more. It’s always about one foot in front of the other. You can always just do a mile, then eventually 1 mile turns into 3 which turns into a marathon. Okay, maybe not but you get the idea.
–Stop comparing. Get off of Instagram and stop being all nosey and worried about what so and so is doing. Everyone on Instagram is a HERO. Put your head down, get out there and crank it out. Do what you can do that day, not what your favorite IG runner is doing. None of that matters. No one cares about your pace either.
–It’s okay to walk/run, or do intervals. If that is where you are at right now, then do that. Everyone has to start somewhere. My love for running actually started on the treadmill at the gym. I was not a cross country star in high school or college. I started running after college because a coworker got me motivated to do it, and I would go run to burn some calories after the stressful work day. Then that got the ball rolling to sign up for races, and so on. 10 years later I am running ultra marathons, 26.2s and loving trails and crazy stuff. Every runner has a reason. Find your reason and just go out there and go for it.
–Consistency is key. I see a lot of folks who run once or twice a week and wonder why they are always getting injured. Really what has kept me injury free for so long is getting out there and being consistent with my workouts. That does NOT mean you have to run every day. Run 3 days a week if you can- and then supplement those other days with strength training. Cross train! On the days you don’t run…swim, bike, do some yoga, or a gentler lower impact type of workout. Or if you’re already running 3x, up the days to 4 or 5. You will find that your body gets accustomed to the activity and you will be less likely do deal with injuries if you are more consistent and slowly build up to where you are strong enough to handle the miles. And as always, listen to your body and back off if needed.
What are some ways you’ve been able to make running a legit habit?
thedancingrunner 
Patience was the big one for me! You nailed it. All of these are awesome.
Some that worked:
1. Find a race that inspires you. Whether that’s 5k or a marathon, surprisingly, you’ll be inspired to train for it.
2. Similar to comparisons: Let go of expectations. You’re right – length, pace, none of it matters. If you’re out there, it’s a win.
3. Have fun. Find a buddy, hit up group runs, or go to trails that you’ve been wanting to get to. When you’re chatting/meeting new people/on an adventure, your mind moves away from the daunting task of exercise and allows magic to happen. Keep it up, and you’ll probably fall in love with running (even if it’s against your will).
As spoken from a former anti-runner!
Yaasss!! I love all of this! Thank you for your input!
For me it’s knowing the mental feeling of accomplishment that awaits. It’s a tremendous feeling and one that I cannot wait to feel. Of course the only way to achieve that is to go for that run and conquer it!!
Love that! I wholeheartedly agree!!
For me, when I was getting started I needed an app with a workout to do every day to turn running into a habit. I liked that the c25k and c210k apps I used nudged me if I missed workouts and really celebrate when I hit milestones. It kept me committed and motivated me to stick with it!
Yes!! All about that accountability factor!!! Thank you for your comment!
I love running but I have this annoying, re-occuring hamstring /hip adductor strain that won’t let me run over a few miles. Oh well. I enjoy reading about your runs! 😊
Definitely stretching and strengthening your problem areas makes all the difference! A lot of runners have issues in that area. I hear you sis!! Happy and healthy running to you!
Good ideas! I would add, make it fun and social:)
Making any workout fun makes all the difference!
All of these are so true. I have gotten injured/sore WAY less the more consistent I run, even if it’s 5-6 days a week. With “every so often” running I used to do, I was always getting sore hips, knees, or ankles.
This sounds so silly but literally just having a calendar I have to fill in helps me so much! I use mapmyrun to log everything, and I just love looking back on a week or month and seeing all the boxes filled(either with a run or other workout). I HATE having an empty box.
And I think also just knowing what I will feel like for the remainder of the day if I run vs. if I don’t. That’s key for me.
Yes!! “It’s fine. I ran today.” Lol!!