Running for Charity

Following on from our last post on New Years Resolutions, we thought we would catch up with you and see how you're doing. If you're like us then your motivation probably has it's high's and lows, but by now you should have your running schedule and progress chart up and running!
So here comes the hard part - making sure you stick to those runs (even through our unusually bad weather!)
We often find that we are more likely to keep up the hard work when we have something to work towards. So what better way to motivate yourself than with a charity run? They come in all shapes and sizes but you can get a better idea of which one best suits you on our website. You don't have to sign up for a full blown marathon straight away, there are lots of fun runs and charity walks to choose from.

Keep Motivated
Not only is taking part in a charity run great for raising money, but it also gives you a purpose or goal to work towards.
Having secured a place in a charity run you will then feel compelled to brave those dark dreary evenings, and get those running trainers on!
You will also know the route of the run which means you can have as many practise laps as you want, and get to know the course.

Buddy Up
Some find it helpful to run with a friend or member of family,
or sometimes you may even make friends with other taking part in the
race! You will be able to motivate each other and offer support to be
ready for that starting line.
You can also share tips and tricks such as training plans.

Broadcast your plan
So you've signed up for the race and secured your spot. Now the best thing you can do is tell absolutely
everyone about it! Not only to raise money but to ensure you have a great support network behind you, to help encourage you through to the
finish line. Also share it on your social media pages, it is much harder to
back out now that you've told the world about your target!

Before the Race 
Make sure you get at least 8 hours sleep the night before the race, and that you are well hydrated. Also the morning of the race you may not want to have a heavy breakfast, stick to something light and nutritious. Also visit a trusted sports shop where they can advise you on appropriate footwear to prevent injury.
Warming up before the race will also prevent any unwanted aches or
pains during the run.

After the Race
Make sure you re-hydrate and eat to allow your body to recover.
It's easy to forget and not always the first thing you want to do after a run, but stretching is an important part of keeping fit. You can also plunge your legs into some iced water or do some light exercise to loosen them up later in the day.

And last but not least.. Well done! A charity run is a great achievement and you should reward yourself accordingly. Whether you get that new pair of trainers or simply go for a massage, do something that you will find rewarding.

New Years Resolutions

Like the majority of the population, one of your New Year's resolutions is most likely related to health and fitness. So we thought we would share a few tips on making sure you reach your running goals for 2014.

They say to start how you mean to go on, and setting realistic goals is the best way to ensure you stick to your resolutions.

The resolution - Start running regularly

Step 1.

OK, firstly swap the TV remote for a pen and paper (or tablet for those tech addicts out there). A great way to plan your runs is to create a schedule. You may want to start with 3 or 4, 15- to 20- minute runs per week. This will quickly build up your fitness, but won't be too strenuous, meaning that you are more likely to stick to your schedule. 

Step 2.

So now you have your weekly running schedule your ready to brave that first run. You may wish to start off with a brisk walk to warm up. Remember that its not a race and more about achieving your personal goals. Also some people find running with a friend can be motivating, but that is personal preference. If you a relatively new to running you can start off running for one minute and walking for 3 and so on until you reach the full 20 minutes. 

Step 3.

Once you have completed your first run you can map your achievement on a progress chart. This will fuel motivation as you see your abilities broaden. Make sure you stick it to a wall, door or fridge where you can easily see all of your hard work. You should also reward your hard work with some new running gear, a pedicure, or any other treat you would enjoy.

Step 4.

After the first week or two you will start to learn more about yourself and your running preferences. You may notice that certain factors trigger you off times, such as bad weather, darker evenings or not having a particular race to work towards. It is important to recognise this and to actively work on over coming it, or finding something else to motivate you when you are tempted to skip a run. 

So remember these points to allow you to reach your running goals in 2014

• Write down your goals and weekly schedule
• Make sure you don't take on too much, and that your goals a realistic
• Make your goals known to your family and friends to encourage you to stick to them
• Keep a running journal or progress chart
• Keep organised
• Reward yourself each week
• Find support that works for you