How To Achieve Your 2017 Resolution Of Becoming A Runner

With December well and truly upon us, we know that those New Year’s Resolutions are just around the corner. We also know that when it comes to exercise, running tops the list as one of the most common resolutions to make.

But as the story often goes, by the time February rolls around, we are yet to start our running regime. Feeling guilty about our lack of commitment in January, we subsequently dive in deep and by the time March comes around we have retired our non-existent running shoes and marathon goals. 

So how to make those exercise resolutions stick and become a runner in 2017? One word – preparation. The time to set goals is now. 

Here are 8 things you should be doing to ensure you hit the ground running in the new year. 

1. Roar it loud and clear.

Forget about writing your running and exercise resolutions in a diary, which will remain neatly tucked away in your bedside drawer. Voice your desire to take up running to your friends and family who will keep you accountable. Set realistic goals, have a plan and spend December pledging to the cause. 

2. Prepare the kicks

With Christmas just around the corner, ditch the lust list of gifts that will remain unused and ask for practical gifts such as a pair of new running shoes and comfortable running wear. The right running shoes will make a difference between making your journey a smooth and enjoyable one versus one of pain and failure. When the commitment is there, Santa always delivers.

Contact our Sportitude customer service team for help with picking out the perfect running shoes for you. The team is made up of athletes and footwear experts.

3. Get advice

The key to success in anything in life is knowing what you are getting yourself into. Turn to a book, online articles and even other runners and prepare a program that works for you. This means setting realistic goals and increasing your fitness level gradually. Find the best running trails in your area, look to find running groups and ask all the right questions. 

4.Start the playlist

We all know that the right beats can get us off the couch and ready for a night of dancing. The same goes for hitting the pavement. Collate your favourite summer tunes and feel good songs and have your running playlist ready to go. Sometimes all it takes is the right beat to have you feeling ready to conquer the world. 

5. Download the apps

Ever wondered why running on a treadmill is easier? Because despite the burning muscles, you have a visual point of reference for how long you have come and how far off you are from reaching your end destination. Download running apps which will track your progress, goals and give you a reason to push yourself that little bit further when you start to feel those muscles burn.

Be sure to also sign up for a Running Heroes account where you accumulate points the more you run and get rewarded by redeeming the points for exclusive offers specifically for runners.

6.Sign up for a marathon

Now have a moment for the shock to subside. Ok, when we say sign up for a marathon, we don't mean jump in the deep end with a 42K run in March, no. Sign up for achievable running events throughout the year and make those longer runs your longer term goals. 

Depending on your fitness level, you'll want to start with a few 5K or 10K fun runs earlier in the year and perhaps a 21K half-marathon (or even a full marathon if that's your mission) towards the end of the year.

Most events open up entries many months in advance and offer early-bird discounts, so sign up early. There's nothing like having paid for something to keep you motivated or guilt you into preparing for it. 

7. Get your cardio up and watch you breath 

One of the hardest aspects of running is cardio fitness and that burning sensation that we get in our lungs. Muscle aches and pains we can push through, but once we are out of breath, every part of our being urges us to stop.

Start implementing some cardio exercises in December and take up a yoga class or two to learn how to focus on your breathing.  

8. Be realistic about that dreaded 1 Jan date 

Let’s enter this New Year’s Resolution thing with a dose of reality. The 1st of January will be a day of relaxing. In fact, your entire fist week is likely to be spent recouping from the silly season.

Don’t start the year disappointed with your lack of commitment by setting an unrealistic goal. Instead, why not commit to taking some long summer walks during week 1 to test out your new shoes and getting into the habit of putting the time aside for exercise.

Catch up on rest and sleep all the while slowly building up your exercise activity and start the second week with a bang.