Guest Post: Get Motivated to Run for 2022 ...by Pat Walsh

 ** Get Motivated to Run for 2022 **

Get the head thinking about the New Year. Just let the brain develop the thoughts and actions over the next few weeks.  No need to go mad at the moment, just be thinking. We have to take back control of ourselves and our lives.
I'm not going MAD, I'm taking charge.

* Know Your Objective
Why are you doing this and remind yourself of this on regular basis.
If you don't know why you are doing it, you are likely to give up too soon. 
You may want to lose weight, get healthy, fresh air, fight depression, get some headspace. Get out of the house and be sociable No matter what the reason is, make sure you know why you want to run. Write it down

* Set a Goal
It is much easier to stay motivated if you have a goal. 
Sign up for a race. If you are running already set a target finishing time.
If you are training for a Marathon remind yourself why you are doing it before the hard miles kick in.

* Follow a Training Plan
Many beginners make the same mistake. They just put on their shoes and try to run for as long as they can. In five minutes or less, they run out of breath, switch to walking and swear not to do it again. Follow a plan
Same applies to experienced runners who have a goal but just try too hard. Get a good plan and stick to it.

* Get a buddy
Everything is easier and much more fun when you have a group to share it with. Running is a great way of making new friends. 

* Keep a diary
Write everything down—record not only time and distance but also your feelings and emotions. It does help to look back and see how much you have progressed.

* Educate Yourself
Try to learn as much as you can about running. Read websites and blogs, participate in forums. It will keep you interested, give you useful information, and make you feel part of the running community. 

* Reward Yourself
Training might be tough at times but it doesn't mean hard work leaves no room for a little treat. You run because you love yourself, not because you want to torture yourself. Celebrate success. Buy something that will help you with your new hobby: a new running shirt, a pair of new shoes, a water bottle or a runner's watch.

* Enjoy It
We all prefer to do things we enjoy. If you like something, you keep doing it. Think about running not as an activity you have to do, but as a way to get time for yourself, develop your physical and spiritual potential. Every time you run, you learn something new about yourself, and this is priceless.

* Smile
It may sound silly, but it works. Smile when you run—it tells your brain you are happy, and you should be. Say hello to fellow runners. Think about all those people who would love to do what you are doing. As your body gets stronger, fitter and healthier, your life will get better. Isn't that reason enough to smile? 

“Success is not final,
Failure is not fatal,
It is the courage to continue that counts”
#pwr #keeponrunning  #2022