Faster? Further? Lighter? Whatever you want from your running, what you need is more consistent training.
Consistency is the most essential piece of training. Without consistency, you aren't going anywhere. You're not going to get faster. You're not going to run further. You're not going to lose weight, lower your blood pressure, finish that marathon or achieve any of your other running goals.
Here are some ways to add consistency to your running:
1.
Run with others: There's nothing like the social pressure of knowing that a friend or a group is waiting for you to make you head out the door. It's also often more fun than running alone, especially if you're doing a long run or
speed work.
2. Try something new: The fitness world is full of new, fun-filled events. Don't let yourself get bored with an endless string of 5Ks and 10Ks. Try cross-country fell running and even triathlons and adventure races.
3. Find a coach: Maybe the kind who yells at you every once in a while, but probably not. A coach's first job is to motivate you in a way no one else can. Their second job is to map out your training. And their final job is to prevent you from straying from that programme, probably by running too much or too fast. You can find a coach by joining a club, asking around, calling specialist running shops and checking the internet.
4. Join the 'X' revolution: Despite the many proven benefits of cross-training, there are still too many runners who only run. Incorporate strength training, cycling, elliptical training, yoga, stair-climbing, pool-running, rowing and walking. Why? Not because these routines will make us faster in our next half-marathon, but because they make us fitter all-round and less prone to injury.
5. Keep a log: Your training log is a great source of the kind of motivation that builds consistency. It beckons to be filled in, reveals the secrets of your training and racing successes, and a look back through it can provide lots of inspiration.
6. Run early: You want to get something done? Do it early in the day. Everything gets tougher later in the day, as various tasks and responsibilities start ganging up on you.
7. Schedule it: You've got your office calendar, your diary, your Palm Pilot, your napkin with the scrawled list of stuff you absolutely, positively have to get done today. So use it. Be sure to include your run. Carve out an hour in your day. The experts all agree that exercise is one of your most important daily activities. Make it happen.
8. Run on different surfaces: See how many different surfaces you can run on in a week: Tarmac, gravel, trail, grass, track, treadmill. Each stresses your leg muscles in a slightly different way, helping to prevent injuries. If possible, avoid concrete, the hardest and least accommodating surface for runners, altogether.
GOODIES: All race entrants receive a race medal, quality race t-shirt, pancake breakfast, a free DVD, and a great goodie bag. Runners will also enjoy lavish post-race refreshments and be registered for prize giveaways.
