How To Stick To A Running Routine

Learning how to stick to a running routine develops greater cardiovascular conditioning and endurance. Developing a consistent running habit helps you sleep better at night and makes you more relaxed. Here are a few tips to developing that routine.

Things you'll need:

• Treadmill
• Calendar

1. Run first thing in the morning. Running first thing in the morning takes all of the excuses for not running off the table. If you do this first, you are making it a priority and will likely continue the habit.
2. Determine your motivation for running. Do you want to drop a few pounds or are you looking to get into competitive racing? Remembering the reason you're running helps to keep you focused when you don’t feel like running.
3. Buy a treadmill. Buying a treadmill gives you the ability to run whenever you want. Making running easier for you will help you create a daily running routine with no excuses. If you have a treadmill at home, you can’t use the excuse of not running due to the weather conditions.
4. Make realistic goals. If you are a new runner, make smaller goals. This makes you more likely to complete your workout if it does not feel overwhelming. Limiting you routine to just 30 minutes instead of trying to do 60 minutes everyday causes less stress on the joints and makes you more likely to complete the shorter workout.
5. Give yourself a running schedule of no more than four days a week. Running four days a week allows you adequate rest in between workouts and will reduce the likelihood of giving up on your running habit. 
6. Schedule your running workouts on a calendar. Writing your workouts on a calendar along with your running times keeps you focused on your goal. Trying to beat a prior run time also motivates you to continue the habit.
7. Forgive yourself if you miss a workout. Don’t have the all or nothing attitude because no one is perfect and there will be days that you miss your run. Give yourself a break and just get back on track the next day so you continue with your running routine. Remember, you are looking for progress not perfection.

Sticking to a running routine takes dedication and continual focus. Removing all possible excuses gives you the best chance in maintaining a successful running routine.