Running; how to get out the door!

iVillagers' give advice on how to get motivated, and stick to a running regime.

I am new to running and I was wondering if anyone has any tips on staying motivated. I went on my first run felt great afterwards and planned to go again the day after, but something came up, I didn't go, and then just kept putting it off. I have a goal to get fitter by March as I am going to see my sister in Australia but getting over this first step is hard, so any tips would be greatly appreciated
reddragon156

1.Take it slowly
The best advice I was given is to take it slowly, otherwise you will only get disheartened and be more likely to give up. I agree the hardest part of running is getting out the door in the first place - there's been a couple of times when I've had to force myself out but the effort was worth it - I really enjoyed it.
fiona.harper

2. Think positively
`Stay healthy and look young', that's what I chant when I start to feel weak. Just keep telling yourself that you can and will do it - if you feel lazy, just do 10mins, its better than nothing.
zzzz4me

3. Practice makes perfect
I started running about a year ago, primarily to lose weight, but also to improve my fitness. I'm now over 3 stone lighter and go running every day during the week and give myself the weekends off. I've amazed myself, because when I first started, I could only run for about 10 minutes, and that included stopping half way round, plus lots of walking - now I can run non-stop for 35-40 minutes!
kat1201

4. Focus on our goal
Showing off to my sister really helps my motivation! I also think about the lovely legs and bottom I'll have shortly, and I try to keep myself entertained while running - all sorts of funny things pop into my head when I'm struggling up that last hill home! Since I have started to exercise, I am more confident in other aspects of my life and find myself considering doing things I would never have considered before!
fiona.harper

5. Find your perfect time of day
I've been running, a few days a week, for about 12 years now. I love early morning runs when it's dark and because of the solitude - there's something special about being up when every one else is still in bed. I don't run in the evening because there are too many kids, dogs and I don't have enough energy. I also love running in the rain. As long as it's not completely chucking it down, rain doesn't bother me. I don't really think about the cold because I love the tingling sensation when you get in the bath after being out in the cold exercising. I try to work out how long I want run for, then add my shower time to that, and work backwards.
julie_clonk

Why not let other iVillagers help you to stay motivated and healthy by posting on the Running for Fitness and Fun message board. Take a look at some of the LIVE discussions taking place on the board right now: