4 ways to reset your running goals and stay motivated

If you’re having trouble keeping on top of your running with an absence of races to set your sights on, you’re not alone. For many runners, having a race in the diary is what drives us forward to keep pounding the pavements week in and week out.

A race not only forces you to maintain your mileage but also helps you to focus on things like pace and nutrition; a constant motivator to keep your fitness goals on track.

Whether you’re the kind of runner who uses a race to stay active or you’re just desperate to improve and get that new PB, here are some of the best ways to keep motivated without an IRL event on the horizon.

1. FALL IN LOVE WITH A DIFFERENT STYLE OF RUNNING-Quite often when people become involved in the sport, they fall into habits that dictate the type of runner they are for years. A lack of races is the perfect opportunity to experience what else running has to offer.

For road runners, that might be heading out to the wilderness to try trail running for the first time (consider specialist trail running shoes if so), or visiting the track to tackle speed training if your usual focus is endurance events.

Not only might this exciting new world fill you with motivation to keep going, but varying your training style can result in improvements to your usual running, from building ankle strength on the trails to increasing your explosive power by hitting the track.

2. FILL YOUR WARDROBE WITH KIT YOU LOVE-Nothing saps your psychological drive to go out running like pulling on an uncomfortable pair of trainers or baggy old T-shirt. It can make running feel like a chore and whole experience unnecessarily unbearable.

Picking up the latest shoe technology, like the New Balance Fresh Foam X collection, ensures that you can head out of the front door looking great and feeling like you’re protected with every stride.

As well as being available in a wide range of eye-catching colourways, the Fresh Foam X has a midsole that’s designed to deliver energy return and cushioning, making you look forward to that next run instead of dreading it.

3. JOIN THE VIRTUAL RACE REVOLUTION-In the world of modern sports technology, there’s more than one way to run a race. Sure, there may be no replacement for the crowds and atmosphere of a big event, but if your main focus is having a competitive milestone in the calendar, it’s time to look at virtual races.

The New Balance Virtual 10K is an opportunity to experience the challenge of a big event in a safe way – no crammed trains or kilometre-long toilet queues in sight.

Whether you're a new runner focussing on building up your distance or more experienced and looking to unlock your speed potential, this is the challenge for you.

Once you've signed up on Strava and your 10K run is complete, you'll earn yourself 20% off performance footwear with New Balance. A great way to set goals, keep running and feel supported with the right kit.

4. DON’T BE AFRAID TO THINK BIG-Running a speedy race may be the most obvious challenge for runners to maintain a training plan, but there’s more to goals than chasing PBs and pushing up your heart rate.

Setting yourself a mileage target is another great way to motivate yourself. Whether that’s a goal to cover a certain distance in an individual session or to hit bigger miles over a longer period. If your sights are set on increasing mileage then New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v11, specially designed for longer distances, will have your back.

posted Saturday September 12th
by Runner’s World