How to Fall Back in Love with Running

How to Build a Healthy Relationship with Running

Running is an amazing activity that many of us have grown to love. But when we get deep into training, it can be easy to fall out of love with it and become inconsistent.

If you're constantly fighting to get your workouts in, struggling with low motivation, or just can't seem to stay consistent, keep reading.

Here are my top tips for building a healthy relationship with running that keeps you going for the long haul:

1. Make it fun.

 The more enjoyable something is, the more you'll stick with it. If running feels like a chore every time, motivation will fade fast. Try adding walking intervals, throwing in random speed bursts, running with friends, exploring a new route, leaving your watch at home, or putting on a podcast. Sometimes more structure means less joy, so give yourself some freedom in your training. Unstructured runs can end up being the most fun thing you add to your routine.

2. Do a little less than you think.

 You don't want to walk away from every workout feeling wrecked. If you're constantly going all-out, you'll burn out. Aim to finish most runs feeling like you could have done just a little more. That's what keeps you consistent and coming back for more.

3. Truly rest.

 Give yourself permission to actually rest. Sleep in, lie on the couch, read a book, watch Netflix. Your brain and body need it. The more you rest, the better you recover, and the more energized you'll feel at your next session. It's okay to skip the step count for a day, sometimes that's exactly what you need.

4. Don't be rigid with your plan.

 Flexibility is your friend. Move days around, shift your workout timing, and don't stress if things aren't perfect. If friends invite you to dinner last minute, go. Don't let your training schedule dictate your whole life. Missing a workout to live your life isn't a setback, it's balance. The more flexible you are, the more consistent you'll be over the long haul.

5. Tie it to a goal and meaning.

 Running just for the sake of running, or to hit a certain look or a PR, can get old fast. Instead, connect your running to something that truly matters to you: staying healthy for your kids, reducing your risk of heart disease, supporting your mental health, sleeping better, having more energy. When your running is rooted in real meaning, you're far more likely to build a lasting, healthy relationship with it.

Remember, running is something we get to do!

Eliana