Motivation for Winter Running - 12/14/08

With the New Year coming around, a lot of people may start thinking about their New Year’s Resolution. It would be safe to say that a lot of people reading this right now will want to get in better shape or lose a couple of pounds. Some reading this might want to run in their first 5K or even a Marathon.

At the beginning of every year people get motivated to take on tasks that only a couple of weeks earlier seemed too far out of reach. These people are self-motivated and they take to the streets, hit the gyms, or start their new “Lifestyle” diet. This self motivation only lasts for a short time. Talking to a friend that goes to the YMCA three times a week and has been doing so for the past 3 years can verify that there is a large surge of people the first couple of weeks, then it dies off.

The question is: Why do people not follow through on their New Year’s Resolutions?

One reason why people do not complete their first 5K, run that Marathon, or keep those pounds off may be because they are going at it alone. Very few people have the drive and dedication to take on tall tasks all alone. The rest of us need someone there to help and push us.

Going at a goal with someone or a group will enhance your ability to follow through with it. There are many groups that get together throughout the year to stay active. There is a large group of high school runners, college, post-colligate, and parents who get together almost every night during the summer in Barboursville.  We are talking 40+ people a night. How do they do it? They do it as a group.

There are many of groups or clubs in this area that offer the opportunity to work out with them. The Huntington Road Runners Club meets weekly for runs, Jeffs Bike Shop has group rides during the summer, and the Tallman Track Club in Charleston and the River City Runners in Parkersburg boast large membership enrollments.

These groups of people who get together and “use” one another to stay motivated and fit have organized themselves, are friendly, and normally charge very low fees to join. Most clubs charge $20 or less for the entire family to join. The Jeffs Bike Shop group rides are completely free. All one needs to do is go to the website, see which ride fits you best, show up with a bike and helmet, and ride yourself into better shape while meeting some very nice and energetic people along the way.

Another way is to run the local road races. These are safe, low cost, and normally benefit a good cause. Almost every Saturday morning in the area, one can find a race. These races not only give someone the motivation to keep training, but also provide a social aspect to their training.

So this year, when thinking about the New Year’s Resolution, don’t just think about what it is that needs to be accomplished. Think about who can join you in that task!