Running, running, running: How to stick with it after January

Everyone in early January will be running, walking or exercising. How to keep up your running in February? Book a race or set a goal.

A local example: You could sign up to Fitzers 5km on Saturday the 22nd February it’s a great local Dundalk race. Look up myrunresults.com and go to events and there will be lots of local races. For other people it could be setting a goal of e.g. "I have to lose 10 pounds".

If some people find it tough to run, try music or a podcast or try running with a friend or a running group/club.
For me I love no headphones and just running with my thoughts and sorting it all out. Whenever I am stressed or have a problem, the best thing I can do is go for a run. Nine times out of ten the problem will be sorted. Running is my meditation. It is also common to get "the running bug" and it can become addictive. You get such a buzz out of running, you come home confident and happy!

What is the best time of the day to run? There is no right answer to this. Personally I love to run first thing in the morning. Get out of bed, no breakfast. Get dressed and go!

I love running first thing in the morning because it sets me up for the day. It says I have conquered the day before it's even begun. It puts me in a good mood. Then you have your breakfast and go to work. Okay you may have to get up at 6 or 7am but it's worth it, I think. Other people will think I'm crazy. Another thing is you get to spend the evening with your family or friends; another thing is something may come up, going for a meal or meeting friends, at least your run is done.

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The thing about running or losing weight is you have to enjoy it. If you go for a run and you do not enjoy it, then chances are you will soon give it up. This happens with a lot of people run for a couple of weeks and then say okay, this is tough and I don't enjoy it.

Try these 4 things below.

1. Chat to a friend or family member that has knowledge on running to get their perspective.
2. Join a club or get a friend to run with you.
3. Try running with ear phones.
4. Sign up for a race 6 or 8 weeks down the line and give yourself that time to train.

The most important thing is to enjoy it! If you are not then pick something else. But I do believe running is one of the best things you can ever try. Running has changed me, me as a person, my career, everything.

I am running a local couch to 5k, every Monday night at Finnabar Industrial Estate beside National Pen, everyone is welcome.
You can contact me on Facebook or Instagram on Niall Fergus or on 086 154 2192.

I will be on Dundalk FM Tuesday at 10.30am to talk all things running too.