Five top tips to stay consistent with your running in 2024

It’s common at the start of a new year for many of us to make resolutions to become more fit and active. But making and sticking at a new health goal are two very different things!

While outdoor running in winter may not evoke enthusiasm, don’t be disheartened by the cold weather. In fact, running in the winter can set you up for the year ahead.

In this article, we will look at the different things we can do to stay consistent with our running and see improvements throughout the year.

1) Set realistic goals

The excitement and eagerness of becoming our “best version” might push us to set goals that are difficult to achieve.

It’s important to understand your starting point, particularly if this is your first time running. Go easy to prevent injury by combining running and walking, an app like Couch to 5k is a great place to start. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

2) Trick your brain

Yes, you read that right! Trick your brain to make running a more pleasant experience by associating it with something that you like and enjoy, such as only listening to your favourite podcast when running. This way you will push yourself to run, while at the same time you are doing something that you enjoy.

3) Join a running group

Being part of a running group will not only make you more accountable but will also help you to stay in touch with people at different levels of their running journey.

4) Invest in proper gear

Believe it or not, feeling comfortable in your running outfit will make you more keen to run. Getting yourself the right pair of trainers will also make your running time more enjoyable and reduce the possibility of an injury.

5) Listen to your body

This is not said enough, but if you are feeling uncomfortably tired or fatigued, your body is trying to tell you that it needs some relaxation. Do not think that skipping one of your runs to recover will make you fall behind on your fitness goals, in fact it’ll be completely the opposite as it will allow you to recover so you can give your all the next day.

More often than not, staying consistent with running is more of a mental challenge than a physical one. The key aspect to keep in mind is to challenge yourself by setting up realistic goals and using different running routines but in a manner that is achievable and that fits within your daily life.