running - any tips on how to start and keep motivated?

[BBBee]

I have just been on a spur of the moment run but am more than aware that this often comes to nothing.

there was no plan, no timing, no distance.

i am not a natural "exercise is such a buzz" person - the motivation is pure vanity.

Any tips on how to keep going and keept his from being a one off?

Well my first question would be, Did/do you enjoy running? You won't keep it up if you don't.

How far did you go today? Or how long? Do you want to go further or faster? Non-runners usually start with a run/walk programme like the ones for the Race for Life. If you can run slowly for maybe 20 minutes then you can probably not do any walking and just look to improving your stamina. Some people find having a target helps so sign up for a charity race like the Race for Life which is 5k or the Cancer Research 10ks in the Autumn.

As far as motivation goes....here's what motivates me..

Tis cheap and quick - as soon as you're out the door you're exercising. No faffing about getting to the gym.

You can do it anytime you have a free 30 minutes, so easy to factor in to a busy lifestyle.

Can help weightloss - certainly tones legs and stomach and strengthens.

Improves your cardiovascular health - I'm more healthy in general, few colds etc.

Helps with depression/low mood/PMT/constipation.

If you have no weight and you're doing a decent amount of excerise you don't really have to watch what you eat.

As yes you do get a 'buzz'

find the couch to 5k thread on here.

there are podcasts for running, and sign up for a fun run to keep you motivated.

i started in january, am def a non-runner, but stopped in march when pregnancy wa confirmed, and do miss it.

I like running because it helps me file all my thoughts. Often I set off in a vile humour and come back feeling a lot calmer about all my problems.

Keep it short, start with a 20 minute run. And when you can do that NO problem, build it up.

Maybe I'm geeky, but although I am not superfit and I never run very far, I get a kick out of timing myself and improving on my time. I'm not competing against anybody except myself.

If you feel you can only just about drag yourself out, just do a ten minute run.

It keeps you warm all day. I always find that when other people are shivering, I feel nicely warm, when i've been for a run!

GL, I wish i could find somebody nearby to run with me.

When you can run and chat you'll know you're super fit.

and vanity is a goood reason to run. I know I'd be a dress size bigger if I didn't run.

PS, I never get headaches and I never get colds...........!

Yes - definitely a good stress buster. Good to get some time to yourself.

Saggar, I agree about it been time-efficient so to speak. It takes about 2 hours to get to the gym and do exercise and come back, but with a quick run, you go out the door and you're back in about 30-40 mins. It#s easy to fit in , even when you've got young children not yet at school. Also, apart from the cost of your trainers and a good bra, it's free! Even though you would need an electron microscope to locate my breasts, Istill have a 'shock absorber'.

BEING time efficient I mean!! i can't believe I just typed been time-efficient. durr. sorry.

OK, I ma really into mt running atm but I understand where yuo are coming from.

You really need a goal, be it time or distance. Google good running guide and yuo can map out local routes and it calculates distance.

Work on distance first, get yuor breathing right, then increase yuor speed.

You will get that buzz I promise!

I have run on and off for a few years mainly because its free! Two months ago dh and I went on a diet to lose some weight and I started running 3 times a week - am now up to 5 miles and have lost a stone I take my ipod with me and remember to drop my shoulders as I find if I try too hard the muscles in my shoulders feel tight. For ages aswell I tried to breathe weirdly - kind of in rythym but have now sorted that aswell!

Keep going - I find its great if I have 20 mins to do 3 miles or up to an hour to go further.

The only thing I need to figure out now is sunglasses that don;t fall off.

buggyrunningmum.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/mile-munching-mojo.html

I wrote my ideas here.