Have you ever wanted to be a lifelong runner—to truly enjoy every workout with far fewer injuries?
Becoming a "runner for life" doesn't mean you need to be the fastest person on the starting line, or complete a lot of marathons. You don't need to be hardcore. In fact, you don't have to do anything extreme to make running a habit.
But there are certain ways to make your daily run a routine, and ensure that you stay healthy, happy, and eager to train. Today you'll learn the four best ways to stay motivated and make running a tradition you crave every day.
Consistency Is King
"Workouts are like brushing my teeth; I don't think about them, I just do them. The decision has already been made."
—Patti Sue Plummer, two-time Olympian
Running should be like brushing your teeth—it's just something that you do as part of your regular routine. It's non-negotiable. When running is infrequent, your body won't adapt to the regular exercise, and it will seem more difficult than it should be.
But it's also important to try new things. So go ahead, train for Warrior Dash, or try a sprint triathlon. Run more trails or experiment with a new brand of shoes. As long as you're consistently running, you can keep things interesting by changing your goal or how you train.
More: 3 Ways Out of a Running Rut
Learn More About Running
Becoming more knowledgeable about running can help you appreciate all the hard work you're putting in every week. Invest in yourself by learning more about the sport. Whether that's buying a new running book, subscribing to a magazine about marathons, or hiring a coach, it's up to you.
More: Quiz: Do You Need a Running Coach?
People who spend money on something tend to value it more and get more satisfaction out of it. Investing your money is a sure-fire way to ensure you stick with running for the long-term.
But that doesn't mean you have to spend extra money on running. There are plenty of free resources that you can use to learn more (you're reading one right now!) about running, gear, or staying healthy.
