6 ways for non-runners to maintaining a running program

Have you thought about running but never found the motivation to do it? Perhaps you've started running before, but got bored and quit. Here are some tips to help you maintain a running program:

Pre-planning a reward for the end of a run can be great motivation.

• Tell yourself you'll get an ice cream or a beer after running, or, for a more health-conscious treat, buy yourself a new workout suit after running for a week.

If you find running to be monotonous, following the same trail or path every day only compounds that feeling and makes you zone out.

• Consider running as a way to explore new neighbourhoods or see great scenery.
• Changing the landscape will help keep your mind off of putting one sneaker in front of the other.

Playing music can help reduce the perceived effort of exercise by as much as 15 percent.

• Your body also has a tendency to synchronize with the music, so you may want to consider creating playlists that maintain or increase their beats-per-minute as you go.

If you were the kind of kid who got bored on car trips, you may also find running a little mind-numbing.

• To counteract this, you can do something simple like counting the light posts you pass, or looking for all the colours of the rainbow in passing vehicles.
• Whatever game you play, make sure you find it interesting.

Plenty of people find running isolating, but having a running partner makes exercise a social experience.

• Having someone to talk with or just run beside can inspire you to push your body past its normal routine and reach new possibilities.

The most important part of setting goals is making sure they're attainable.

• If you decide you're going to run a four-minute mile in two weeks you'll probably end up disappointed.
• Try a more reasonable goal, like telling yourself you'll run one block longer every day.

Not only is running great for your physical and mental health, but it can be a lot of fun. There are many ways to inspire you to keep up your program, such as keeping a running journal, enrolling in a charity run, or learning to race. Whatever motivation you use, always remember that the important thing is to keep on running.