How to Stay Committed to Running

When it comes to staying in shape, there's not much better exercise than running. You get a cardiovascular workout, a muscular workout and burn some serious calories. All this benefit and it only requires a half an hour 3 or 4 days a week.

The problem is running hurts. Before you have a solid fitness base, you'll be sore, tired and wondering about the little aches and pains in your joints.

The easiest thing about running is quitting. However, if you're committed to running and want to stick with it, there are some tips to help you stay the course.

Find a Partner

The first tip is to find a running partner. Having a partner can make the workouts fun. Having someone to talk to about the aches and pains you're experiencing, makes them more tolerable. It's reassuring to know your partner's facing the same hurdles.

Be sure the person you choose is at a compatible fitness level. You don't want to go out with a gazelle if you're an elephant. This will lead to frustration for both of you.

Once you find the ideal partner, make a plan. Write out what your running goals are. How often and how far you plan to run, are the two big questions you need to figure out.

Once you've agreed on a plan, stick with it. Of course your goals should be realistic; you're not going to qualify for the Boston Marathon overnight.

The major advantage to having a running partner is the guilt factor. If you miss a run, you're letting yourself down. Most of us can deal with that, but you're also letting your partner down. The guilt this generates will keep you hitting the streets even when your enthusiasm wanes.

Having a running partner also makes you try harder. Guilt will keep you from missing workouts, but your competitive nature will keep you focused on excelling in your runs.

No matter how non-competitive you believe you are, watching your partner effortlessly leaving you behind on a hill, makes you want to try harder. You may not be able to keep up this time, but by golly, you'll make sure you do next time.

Sign me Up

Another tip for sticking with a running routine is to sign up for races. Being committed to a race keeps you striving to stay in shape.

It's nice to have a set date to achieve your goals. For example, knowing you have to compete a month from now, will keep you centered and focused on training. There's nothing worse than running a race you're ill prepared for. Remember the feeling of taking a math test you didn't study for?

You're first race shouldn't be a terribly hard one. Most communities of any size have lots of running races. There are usually a wide variety of distances to choose from, even within one race. For instance a 10-mile race may also have a 5-mile race that starts at a different time. Set yourself up for success by starting with the shorter distances.

The monetary side of entering a race is also helpful in keeping your focus. Most running races require some kind of entry fee. If you decide not to run because you're not prepared, that money is wasted. Sure, you may still get the T-shirt, but who wants to wear a T-shirt from a race you didn't run?

Sticking with running can be difficult. There are many obstacles and excuses for not hitting the streets. Following these two tips will increase your chances of success in achieving your fitness goals.