1. Set Yourself a Goal
We all run better when we have something to aim for. Choosing a goal will help you have a purpose, get you out the door every day and ultimately give you something to achieve and celebrate at the end of your plan.
To pick your goal, you should make sure it’s SMART. That means it should be:
- Specific (eg, to train for Southern Cross Round the Bays)
- Measurable (eg, planning ways to time yourself)
- Achievable (eg, not jumping straight from walking the course to entering into the elite race category)
- Relevant (eg, if you’re looking to build your endurance, do not follow a 5km plan)
- Time-based (eg, set yourself the goal of achieving it in the next 8, 10, 12 or 16 weeks)
2. Book a Fun Run
The ultimate way to stay accountable to your goal is to sign up to a race or event like Southern Cross Round the Bays! The idea of entering an event might seem daunting, but it provides a huge motivational boost and is the final piece that will turn your goal into a reality.
Why not sign up to Round the Bays today and get started! Enter the Wellington, Christchurch or Auckland event or take part in all 3 locations!
As soon as you've signed up, your training becomes more than just running – it’s a countdown to something big. Race day brings excitement and a finish line high like no other (as well as your finisher's medal of course)!
3. Follow a Plan
Whether you’re chasing a specific goal, training for a race or simply trying to maintain your overall fitness, following a running plan is one of the most effective ways to keep you engaged.
A good plan takes all the guesswork out of your training so all you have to worry about is getting out of the door. From keeping you accountable with structured workouts, to committing you psychologically to a consistent schedule, to making your runs that much more hassle-free and convenient – there’s something incredibly motivating about having a personalised running plan that’s been created by experts specifically for you.
To give your motivation the boost it needs, all you need to do is answer a few questions about your running goals and Runna will create a personalised plan that will help you become a better runner and keep you accountable.
With Runna, your personalised training plan is tailored to your ability, goal and lifestyle — AND you get your first two weeks free! Click here to get a plan from Runna today.
4. Tell Your Friends
When you set any new goal, we'd recommend shouting from the rooftops about it! Tell all your close friends and family how excited you are to be putting yourself first and working towards your health and running goals.
This will help keep you accountable to them. You could even look to set up a dedicated page or social media account for your running journey! Sharing your goals with friends and family might even inspire them to start running themselves.
5. Make it Social
Look to make your training social, from joining a community of runners either online or a running club in your local area. Running clubs can offer an inclusive and friendly environment where you can meet runners of all abilities and experience the spirit a community adds.
The encouragement, the motivation, the chance to meet new people and cheer on each other’s successes makes those tougher runs feel a lot more appealing.
This article was provided by an Official Event Partner, similar to this article found on their blog. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Round the Bays.
