Motivating Yourself To Run - How?

This portion of the article is set to deliver some great ways to keep yourself motivated to run, but before that, let me introduce to you a self-invented form of motivation. It's called Running motivation; a form of incentive that runs within you 24x7 and helps you to pace up regularly. If you let motivation be on a perpetual R and R (rest and recreation), you sure, would not be in the position to run regularly. Here are some useful methods to motivate yourself.

Slash the Buts!
Our goals are more often than not, punctuated with 'If's and But's'. Unfortunately, there is no room for them out here. When we talk incentive, we talk power; we talk dedication and not compulsion. Set a reasonable routine; one that you can follow. Plan out your schedule in a way that aids you to fit a run during the day.

A New Street, A New Beginning
What better way to start your day than surfing the streets, especially those you haven't set foot till date. At least, you have something to look forward to, before the sun is out, staring at you. Motivate yourself to visit a new nook, a never-seen-before cranny. You are sure to discover new places. Nevertheless, if you are an old-timer, there is no harm in admiring naked streets minus the hubbub!

'Hit' the Sack
Well, I mean that literally! Ditch the Z's in you and go for a run early morning. There is nothing like an early morning run because, as the day progresses, the to-do list seems never-ending and we have a whole lot of commitments to fulfill. A majority reasons, that it is due to the fatigue they are met with throughout the day, that they are unable to give up on their snooze. Set an alarm tone that can knock your sock's off, put on your running gear and get going.

Bring out the Blogger in You
Why not write a blog on running, about 'you running' regularly! What changes do you observe in yourself after you have taken to running daily or what is it that you came across while you were out for a run... something unusual, serene or something that tickled your funny bone. Update your status and keep your followers or readers versed with what's happening!

Ping-a-friend(s)
Hmm... this one scores high! Let your friends and family know that you are on a mad-dash mission of losing belly fat, keeping fit, controlling your cholesterol hike, or flaunt a marble smooth skin. Don't make a public announcement but make your mission known. This will motivate you to reach your goal faster, as you are now, answerable to someone!

Fitness Freaks, Anyone!
Keep company of those who are fitness oriented, more so, if you have been hibernating for long. Friends with the same or similar goals can keep your spirits high. They could be the factors to keep you at it regularly. Starting it out is difficult, agreed, but staying at it is a challenge. If you are around friends, who are as kicked about the goal as much as you are, and want to see a difference in themselves, you sure, are on the right path.

Looks can Kill
Washboard abs and chiseled arms rule the roost. If this is your goal, then make sure you achieve it, by hook or by crook! However, it is not required that all have a dream body, but it is certainly possible to stay fit and fine. Tucking that extra tummy fat or toning those flabby arms can make you look better and feel, even better. A way to motivate yourself thoroughly is to take pictures of yourself before you start off with your workout. Stick it on the soft-board, adjacent to a picture of the one you admire.

Treadmill Tricks
The weather does not permit you to go for a run; don't consider this as an excuse to miss your running routine. If you miss once, you can miss twice and... the rest is history. It is unlikely that you revert to your set routine once you have stepped off it. Running on the treadmill is one alternative that you can put to practice when the forecast does not favor a run, out in the open. Well, to motivate yourself to run on the treadmill doesn't require that much effort. Drop your favorite, rather upbeat tracks that aid you to feel motivated while you run on the treadmill. When on a treadmill, you don't even have to worry about the surroundings or where you are heading to. You are free to go in a trance while you run. Just keep running!

Be-friend your Runs
Going along with a friend for a run regularly makes a lot of difference to your motivation meter. Besides you sharing a run, you can share a laugh or two, mutter about a subject of common interest or just pep-up each others spirits. When you look at your partner pushing hard at reaching his goal, you would like to push a tad harder. While you work out, you need something to kill time. I advise, don't kill time, live it thoroughly by bonding with your running partner and have a good time conversing, and of course running!

Health is Wealth
This too ranks high on the charts of all motivated-to-run souls. Running is a great exercise not just to burn calories, but to burn those high levels of cholesterol. Obesity is a prime factor that leads to health crises. It is absolutely needless to confirm, how running helps flush off toxicities from the body, making one feel rejuvenated and full of life. If not for a body to die for, make an effort to improve the quality of life you lead. If you suffer from an ailment and want to fight the same, make placards with quotes that urge you to push your limits, and pin them up in places you frequent the most. Motivational quotes like these may help:

• "Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it." - Oprah Winfrey
• "A runner must run with dreams in his heart." - Emil Zatopek
• "Fire up your boots to boost up your tomorrow" - Self
• "Walk today to run tomorrow,
  Run tomorrow to stagger never, hereafter" - Self

It is heartening to see grandparents and our very own moms going for a run, however, it is equally annoying to see people half their age swinging in their comfy sofas whiling away their time and health. Buckle-up before your health outruns you and get motivated right away. Run... Keep running!



By: Azmin Taraporewala