When making New Year's running resolutions, it's crucial to remember that starting small is the key to success. Train for that race you've been eyeing, go exploring in a new part of town, or acquire some new running gear to keep you motivated to get out the door. Choose a few attainable goals that will not take the entire year to fulfill. Victories that are within reach will pay off in the long run.
Have you made any running resolutions for the next year? The beginning of a new year is an excellent opportunity to look ahead and make plans for your running for the coming year. It's up to each individual to set their own goals, so whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned marathoner, here are a few goals to keep you running into 2022.
Set Your Goal
Set specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-focused goals if you want to achieve your running resolutions. What do you hope to accomplish this year with your running? Setting some goals can give you a strong feeling of direction and newfound motivation.
Setting a goal for a race distance you've previously run and set a new distance target for later in the year is a good idea. Perhaps your plan for the spring is to break your 5K record and then go for a half marathon in the fall. Virtual events are also an excellent aim to work for until things return to normal.
Acquire New Running Gear
A new set of running gear could be just what you need to take your running to the next level or keep it consistent. In general, it's a good idea to replace your running gears regularly to ensure maximum comfort during your runs.
Purchasing new running gear can be a challenging task. To ensure that you get the equipment you'll need the most, make sure to write down all of your running considerations, such as the type of terrain you'll be running on, the weather conditions, and so on.
Try Something Different
Runners are creatures of habit, and becoming stuck in a rut is all too easy. Why not try something new this year and enter a different race or run a distance you've never attempted before? You'll be much more likely to stay motivated if you switch things up and keep your running goals new.
It's good to have something that's both tough and enjoyable. If a road 10k or Marathon doesn't spark your interest, consider a triathlon, a hill race, or an ultra-marathon. These are all growing in popularity and appeal to people of all skill levels. If races aren't your thing, try some new running routes and terrains for some change.
Run-on a New Trail
It's easy to get trapped by the same loop you've been running for years. Change things up by going to a new part of town or looking for a trail network you haven't seen before.
Discovering new trails helps keep you motivated since you are excited about what lies ahead. If you live in a city, change up your routine and jog through a neighborhood you haven't visited before.
Be Part of a Running Community
A running community can help you meet training partners, find new trails, and stay motivated. It is essential to have support, as committing to your goals with others is a terrific way to reaffirm them.
There are many running clubs worldwide, and the running community is entirely inclusive. The RRCA offers a complete list of running clubs around the United States, and a quick Google search can find running communities in your preferred area.
Maintain a Run-Life Balance
Everything's more fun with a buddy. Encourage a friend to get into running. Running, like everything else, takes time and effort. You have only a limited amount of time in the day, and changing your life all at once drastically will almost certainly lead to failure.
The ultimate goal should always be to incorporate running into your daily routine, which takes time. Starting with moderate miles and not overcommitting your time is essential. Even if you don't have time to run more than 15 miles per week, you'll have laid a solid foundation for a lifetime of running.
Stay Updated
The way we run and share is constantly changing due to social media. It's considerably simpler to find support for running resolutions these days, with everything from online competitions to a large running community on Twitter, Facebook, and other social medial platforms. Training advice is available at all times, and you can also help others.
Many runners also find that they live close to one another. This may make it easier to find face-to-face training partners. However, like with anything else on the internet, be cautious of whom you meet online and take measures regularly.
Incorporate More Stretching
Anyone else feeling guilty of speeding through or skipping a stretching routine entirely? Stretching, let's face it, will probably never be the highlight of your workout, but it should be a part of your routine. The idea is to do it regularly and in small amounts. Before and after you run out the door, try to stretch for at least 5-10 minutes.
If muscle fibers are not stretched to their usual length before and after running, they will remain short and tight. This can result in quicker and tighter muscles over time, making them more prone to tearing. Calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, glutes, and lower back are the main muscle groups to stretch for runners.
Start Your Running Resolutions for 2022
Remember that running is a fun lifestyle, but may not be for everyone. If you realize that running is not for you due to an injury or a change in your lifestyle, try to find another sport that will keep you physically active for your health while incorporating all of the beautiful habits that running has taught you. If you follow these steps, your resolution to become a runner will become a positive lifestyle change that you can maintain for the rest of your life.
We at Fullscope Sports offer sports and athletic apparels that you might need for your running journey, and if you need more guides about running, make sure to check us out.
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