{"id":25719,"date":"2015-07-26T16:23:21","date_gmt":"2015-07-26T20:23:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nomeatathlete.com\/?p=25719"},"modified":"2020-04-15T11:02:19","modified_gmt":"2020-04-15T15:02:19","slug":"running-consistency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nomeatathlete.com\/running-consistency\/","title":{"rendered":"The Discouraged Runner’s Guide to Boundless Consistency"},"content":{"rendered":"

This post is written by Doug Hay, co-host of NMA Radio and author of Rock Creek Runner<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n

“Self-discipline doesn’t actually exist.”<\/p>\n

That’s what one of my blogging mentors (yes, that’s a thing) Jon Morrow said to me at a recent conference.<\/p>\n

It’s a jarring statement considering we live in a world that talks about having or losing self-discipline all the time.<\/p>\n

But after he finished the conversation, it all made sense. Jon’s point was this:<\/p>\n

No one is born with self-discipline. Successful business people, professional runners, the President, they don’t have some self-discipline gene that the rest of us lack. And as we know, will-power is a finite commodity<\/a>.<\/p>\n

On one hand this is bad news. It means we can no longer rely on the “no self-discipline” excuse when it comes to running. Or doing or not doing anything else in life, for that matter.<\/p>\n

But on the other hand, it’s great news.<\/p>\n

Because it makes it possible for us to change. It means our failures as runners, our inconsistencies and lack of routine are only temporary. That we too can become the highly energized running routine superstars we’ve always wanted to be.<\/p>\n

Consistent runners have fewer injuries, a stronger base, and greater long-term running success.<\/p>\n

So if self-discipline isn’t a trait we either have or don’t, and a consistent routine is something we all want, what sets a successful runner apart from her discouraged counterpart?<\/p>\n

Answer: Her\u00a0environment.<\/p>\n

The Self-Disciplined Runner’s Environment<\/h3>\n

We’ve all been there. Looking at the watch, trying to decide whether or not to go for a run.<\/p>\n

It starts with an excuse:\u00a0I’m too busy. It’s too hot. I’d rather go to happy hour.<\/em><\/p>\n

Then turns into a justification:\u00a0I earned this break! I deserve a night off with friends!<\/em><\/p>\n

In reality, that excuse and justification are you giving up on yourself. Too harsh? Sorry, but it’s the truth.<\/p>\n

Discouraged, unmotivated runners face this problem every day. Their running or training environment is set up in a way that they have to actively convince themselves to<\/em> go on a run.<\/p>\n

Highly motivated self-disciplined runners, on the other hand, have it much easier. Their environment presents the run as the best or only option, and to skip they’d have to actively convince themselves not to<\/em> run.<\/p>\n

A place where going for a run is a given sounds like a dream come true, right? It can be.<\/p>\n

And it’s actually easier than you think.<\/p>\n

Disheartened runners, tired runners, and even super busy runners<\/a> can set up an environment that breeds consistency and routine.<\/p>\n

4 Steps to Build Running Consistency<\/h3>\n

In a recent post, Matt wrote about building walls<\/a> around your path to habit change. That’s essentially what we’re doing here.<\/p>\n

By creating a running environment that promotes self-discipline, you’d have to climb the wall and jump off the other side in order to skip a run.<\/p>\n

So how do you build that environment? Start with these 4 steps:<\/p>\n

1. Give Your Run a Purpose<\/strong><\/p>\n

As much as I love running, especially on trails<\/a> and through the woods, I’m the first to admit running is hard. It’s uncomfortable, painful, and frankly, not as relaxing as drinking a beer or watching trashy TV.<\/p>\n

Which is exactly the reason most people’s first response when you tell them you’re training for a half marathon, marathon, or ultra is … “Why?”<\/p>\n

No seriously. I’m asking too. Why are you training for a race? Why do you want to start running?<\/p>\n

Before you can build a consistent running routine, you need to first give your runs purpose. Set a goal<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Weight-loss, challenge, achievement, proving yourself or others wrong, these are all great goals. They all give your training a purpose.<\/p>\n

Whatever goal you set for yourself, make it powerful. Make it personal. When things get tough and you’re doubting the run, it should be something motivating enough to keep you itching for progress.<\/p>\n

2. Make a Plan<\/strong><\/p>\n

Let’s shift gears from running to card playing, one of my favorite past-times. When you sit down to play cards, it’s no fun unless there’s,<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Purpose: To win (check)<\/li>\n
  2. Rules: A plan or structure that leads you to the purpose<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Running is no different. Once you’ve given your runs a purpose, the next step is to create a plan. The plan provides structure, and a method to keep you on track.<\/p>\n

    The most obvious option is to start a training plan<\/a> or work with a coach. This will give you a well-designed and proven training plan.<\/p>\n

    But of course you can also go at it on your own. When designing a plan for consistent running, keep these things in mind:<\/p>\n