Well, it’s that time of year when the cliché “New Year, New Me” is all around. So many of us use the calendar year rolling over as an opportunity to reset, but how many of us stick to it? In the hope of breaking some less-desirable habits and work on setting up more positive routines we start off with the best of intentions but, as the days, weeks and months slip by our priorities shift and resolutions begin to slip away. If this sounds familiar, you might find some top tips here to start the year focused and continue striving for your goals.
First though, a little disclaimer. There are no quick fixes to keeping those resolutions, I’m afraid to say! Very much like any goals, anytime of the year. Your fitness and running goals are a long-term process and it is the journey and the enjoyment of that which is most important. Second, everyone’s a little different so what works for one person may or may not work for the next. Allow yourself some time and grace to find what works best for you!
So here are some ways that will go some way in helping you keep on track and having fun.
Find a workout buddy – Having someone to run with any time of the year is a huge help. Making that commitment to meet someone will get you up out of bed and out the door. Similarly, running clubs are where you can meet like-minded people who, like your new run partner, will provide that crucial bit of motivation to pull you through those tough days and runs, and make it all the more enjoyable too!
Switch up your running – At times of low motivation we often want our run to be over before it even begins! Removing any expectation and pressure first can provide an opportunity for a positive experience. Switching it up will also make for a more fun session and a revitalised feeling of satisfaction at the finish. You can try a fartlek session when next on the trails, or push the uphills during your run route, there so many ways to make the sessions fun and time fly by! It can also be as simple as running a new route, as the same old loop gets tiring physically and mentally.
Treat working out/exercise like the priority you want it to be – This means building your workout into your schedule just as you would a work meeting. I like to double check over the upcoming weeks training and make sure everything is good to go, and if it’s not I’ll make some adjustments. Waiting until the day to decide what you’ll do or cramming it in when there’s little time can often set you up for a no show.
Look at your running/fitness journey as a lifestyle change – Often, when we set goals, our mentality becomes “suffer until I reach my goal and if I don’t reach it, I’ve failed.” With thoughts like this you’re guaranteed to be miserable and stressed and that’s not ideal or healthy! Instead, be flexible and change up your routine until you find what you like. If you’re not feeling a gym strength workout, try a trail run or fitness class! When you are doing what you like you are much more likely to stick with it long-term. There’s no reason this journey shouldn’t be fun!
Less is sometimes better – For those days you’re just really not feeling it, don’t force your workouts and risk burnout. Instead, do something light such as stretching, yoga, foam rolling, or a walk. We all need to take down time and doing something low-key can keep the momentum going and is great active recovery.
And lastly…
Keep a diary – Having a written record of the work you put in will keep you motivated to add to it! Not only will it be rewarding to reflect on your training it can be a great place to set out your goals. Take some time to write down what you want to accomplish and you’ll be on the way to achieving it.
Have a happy and healthy 2022 folks!
Darren is our resident kit geek and running/fitness coach. He runs the ever popular and successful DCH Coaching – do get in touch if you’d like some help with your goals in 2022!
