Going for a regular run often tops many people’s list of New Year resolutions as they look to shed the pounds they’ve piled on over the festive period.
Sadly, all too often, resolutions fall by the wayside when the hard yards begin in the frigid months following Christmas.
A recent survey found that 99% of people failed to stick to a resolution they made in January over the ensuing twelve months.
So how do you become part of the 1% club?
Below, we look at some of the tried-and-tested ways of kickstarting your running regime in 2025.
Set Realistic Goals
Setting realistic goals gives you the best chance of staying focused and means you have something to work towards as you hit the tarmac.
A good way to stay engaged with running is to set a specific goal you hope to achieve once you’ve hit your stride as a runner – a 5K or half marathon is a good place to start.
If you need inspiration, check out the NHS’s Couch to 5K, which will guide you step-by-step from languishing on the sofa to running your first 5K in just nine weeks.
Find the Right Shoe
Both road running and trail running are tough on the body, especially the feet and joints.
If you plan to run on tarmac or pavement you will need to find a pair of running shoes that provide plenty of cushioning to absorb the shock of your foot striking a hard surface.
If you’re feeling more adventurous and fancy doing some off-the-beaten-track trail running, you will need a lightweight shoe, one that features an outsole with large lugs, which allow your foot to grip the slippery off-road terrain.
Be Consistent
Practice makes perfect, they say. Running is no different.
By going for a regular run, you build cardio fitness and muscle memory.
A regular running routine also allows you to build momentum as a runner – once you start you will want to keep it up.
As we know, it’s much more difficult to stick to a plan if we adopt a stop-start approach.
By keeping to a regular running regime, you will soon fall into a healthy habit of hitting the road, even when the weather sets in.
Use a Running Coach
It’s always good to get input from an expert.
Running coaches can suggest tweaks to your training regime and offer personalised feedback, allowing you to get the most out of your runs.
A convenient way to access the advice you need is via an online running coach, who is there to provide encouragement and customised feedback on the data from your running app.
Conclusion
Keeping that resolution to run regularly in 2025 might seem daunting now, but don’t be discouraged.
The first few steps are always the most difficult. As the Chinese proverb has it: a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
The good news is you’ve taken the first one by reading this.
