subject: Finding The Motivation To Run [print this page] Many people see the health benefits of running and wish they could be in shape and feel good about themselves. However, they find it very difficult to nurture the kind of dedication and motivation it takes to become in shape.
The people who love to run found a great source of motivation that works for them. This motivation is different for everyone, but it is vital that this motivation is found.
Some mother's find their motivation to run after they have children and are struggling with weight loss issues. They want to be able to keep up with their kids as their children get older.
These mothers may also recognized the importance of setting an example about how important exercise is for her children. The natural sense of motherhood is a very strong motivator in learning to exercise.
Others find their motivation through preparing for a race. This is a particularly good method if you are a very competitive person.
This motivation becomes even more intensified when you sign up with someone else because you have to remind each other to prepare. You can train together to provide motivation to keep running.
Training with your spouse is a great way to stay motivated and strengthen your marriage. Other people find their motivation through a self-reward system when they reach particular goals.
If you are unsure what kind of motivation will work for you, try something out. If it does not work, try something else.
As you begin to run, it is very important that you purchase the proper running shoes. This does not mean going to the store and selecting the "coolest" looking ones.
This means picking out a shoe that will support you the best. Most specialty running stores will review the way you walk and run for free, and then give you advice on the best pair of shoes for you.
These stores often let you try out a couple pairs of shoes by running around the block. Selecting the right pair of shoes is vital to preventing injury and improving performance.
Many runners who believe they have found their motivation have an unusual amount of energy and excitement about running the first few days. Then, they use up this energy by going for extremely long runs those first few days.
As a result, they become burnt out and lose their motivation to run. As you begin to run set a specific schedule and stick to it.
In the beginning start slow and set short periods of time to run. Be careful not to overdo it, or you will stop running.
Slowly increase your speed and length of time to run as you practice. Many people feel like they do not get enough out of running unless it hurts or they become exhausted.
However, this is not the case and following this regimen is more detrimental than productive. It will make it very hard to develop this habit.
The next step after you begin running is to keep your motivation. It is much easier to keep your motivation if you track your improvement.
Start by buying a heart-rate monitor or running computer. These are fairly cheap and effective ways to see your improvement.
If your motivation is weight loss, do not starve yourself. This will make running very difficult and in the end you will probably gain more weight than you will lose.
Running can help you lose weight as long as you keep running. You will not keep running if it becomes too difficult.
It is also very important to be aware of how hydrated you are. On hot days it can be very dangerous to run without water.
You do not want to run yourself into the hospital because you become too dehydrated. Running has so many benefits health-wise, emotionally, and mentally.
It is well worth the effort and sacrifice that is needed to make running a habit.
