Our aim: Life Style Sport Run in the Dark 2015

THERE ARE TIMES when the training can start to feel monotonous and getting out the door can become more of an effort than it was when you first started.

There’s nothing unusual about feeling bored from doing the same thing over and over again and sometimes all you need to do is add variety to your routine.

This can be nothing more complicated than changing your running route or even running the same route but in the opposite direction. Try inviting someone new along as this can be like starting all over again and you’ll be less likely to let someone else down than you might be to let yourself down.

There are lots of ways to stay motivated and it doesn’t need to be anything complicated.

• Remind yourself of the reason you started in the first place.
• Don’t compare yourself to others.
• Don’t always look for a workout and learn to enjoy the activity first.
• To keep going you need a target and that target needs to be beyond where you are now.
• Set realistic, achievable training goals
• Regular testing will let you see how far you’ve come and this will make you realise that you can go further.
• Introduce variety to avoid monotony.
• Surround yourself with like-minded people rather than going it alone.
• Invite friends.
• Join a club.
• Sign up for a race or event.
• Involve a charity and let someone else benefit from your journey to a fitter / healthier you.
• Take breaks every so often.
• Be grateful that you get to run.
• Remember that you’re almost there.

You’ll regret the runs you didn’t do more than the ones you did do!

It’s advisable to consult with your doctor before starting on any new exercise regime if starting from a base of zero fitness and years of inactivity or returning from illness or injury.

John O’Regan is the official running coach for this year’s Life Style Sports Run in the Dark taking place on Wednesday November 11th 2015 at 8pm in 50 locations worldwide. He has run over 50 marathons and ultra marathons on seven continents / 20 countries and represented Ireland on 10 occasions at ultra marathon distance. Follow him on Twitter at @johnoregan777