Hi all,

I know what it is like to tell yourself everyday that today is going to be the day that you start your new fitness regime.  I think most people have said that to themselves at least once…probably many times.

So, how do you get that extra bit of motivation to actually get going?

I suggest signing up for an organised run.  That can be a 5k if you’re only a beginner, or maybe a 10k if you already have some level of fitness under your belt.  By paying to participate in a run, you have a firm date that you work towards.  You know that the event is, say, 4 weeks away.  You make a plan for the weeks leading up to the event and keep to it.  When setting goals for yourself (including exercise), putting a date on the goal makes it so much more likely that you will achieve that goal.

And sign up for the event with a good friend.  They can be your training buddy and you can support each other in the process!

If you’ve never done an organised run, you might find that you actually love it!  On my first 5k a few years ago, I found that it gave me a complete buzz to run the distance with so many other people.  It really pushes you to do your best and it makes you look forward to signing up for the next event.

My most recent run was the Herts 10K.  It was my first year doing it.  I actually completed it 5 minutes faster than I had ever done a 10K previously and I put that entirely down to running along side so many other people.

Finally, let’s not forget that these events give you a great opportunity to raise money for a worthy cause.  Choose a charity that you are passionate about and see what events they are involved with.  You will feel great and the charity will appreciate whatever you can raise in sponsorship money.

To your health,

Kimberly