How to motivate yourself to go running today

It's a given that running does wonders for your mental and physical health. In fact, it has been proven to help everything from building strong bones to improving sleep quality.

It's fair to say that you'll never regret going for a run, however finding the motivation to put on those trainers can be tricky sometimes; particularly when the weather's not so great.

So, whether you're training for a race or just trying to incorporate some cardio into your workout regime, we've come up with some tips in order to motivate yourself to go running.

Invest in some new workout gear

Whether it's a pair of new running shorts or some colourful running trainers, investing in some new workout gear is a great way to motivate yourself to exercise.

Not only does that new kit make you feel good, but the right clothing can also help to boost your running performance. Pay attention to the kit that has been specifically designed for your chosen sport.

For example, trainers for running look a little different to fashion or gym ones and often feature additional support for impact.

Fuel up

If the aim of running is weight loss then fuelling up before a run can seem counterintuitive. However, running on empty is just setting you up for failure as your performance will suffer and you are likely to feel depleted later on.

Try eating a light pre-run snack like wholemeal toast with peanut butter or avocado. Don't forget to hydrate after your run or you are likely to mistake thirst with hunger.

Set targets

Even if you aren't a fan of metrics and spreadsheets when it comes to exercise, setting some kind of target is important. This could be as simple as setting a kilometre target that you want to run each week or working towards a time that you'd like to complete a measured run in.

Targets are particularly important if you are training for a race such as a 10k or a half marathon as it helps you to assess your progress. Either way, targets are a great way to help keep yourself accountable for your running.

Treat yourself

Even if you are a seasoned runner, sometimes finding the motivation to put those trainers on is hard. If that's the case, promise to treat yourself with something you love after.

This could be meeting a friend for coffee or taking a relaxing bath with Epsom salts to soothe your muscles later on.

Run someplace new

Whether you are marathon training or just doing a lap around the block, seeing the same scenery day in, day out, can get boring.

If you really can't face going for a run around your local park, why not take your trainers someplace new and make a day of it.

Running is a great way to explore a new city or a beach that's a little further away than you'd usually go. For example, if you are training for a half marathon, why not run 20k one way to a place that you have never been before?

That way you are exploring somewhere new and not having to double back on yourself. Just catch a bus home after your run instead.

Like all exercise, motivating yourself to go running can be hard sometimes. However, try to visualize how great you'll feel once you are done and try to remind yourself of why you're doing it in the first place.

So, whether it's those new running shorts or that post-exercise catch-up, remind yourself that it's not why you do it, but that you do it, that's important with running.

Take a look at our collection of cool, comfortable and breathable clothing here at Flow. Whether you are looking for men's running shorts, t-shirts or singlets, we're fully stocked with everything you need to get pounding the pavements.