{"id":2838,"date":"2020-01-06T09:30:00","date_gmt":"2020-01-06T09:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/?p=2838"},"modified":"2022-07-21T21:34:09","modified_gmt":"2022-07-21T20:34:09","slug":"motivation-to-go-running","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/motivation-to-go-running\/","title":{"rendered":"Motivation to go running: 5 reasons to love running in January \ufeff"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:149.92679355783%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:149.92679355783%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:149.92679355783%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>Do you want to give running a go this January? Or simply get outdoors more? You have plenty of motivation to go running this January.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>January doesn&rsquo;t have to be a blue month. There are ways to get active, get outdoors more and really focus on your running goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you&rsquo;ve set yourself a goal to get fit, or to simply become more active, here are my top reasons to take up running this January.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/15-683x1024.png\" alt=\"motivation to go running\" class=\"wp-image-2845\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/15-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/15-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/15.png 735w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20683%201024'%3E%3Crect%20width='683'%20height='1024'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"motivation to go running\" class=\"wp-image-2845 eager-load\" title=\"\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/15.png\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/15-683x1024.png.webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/15-683x1024.png.webp 683w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/15-200x300.png.webp 200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/15.png.webp 735w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Running is free<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>So many people take up running around the world because it&rsquo;s free, fun and has a low barrier to entry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike other forms of exercise like cycling and tennis, for example, you need fairly little to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So if you&rsquo;re looking to cut back following Christmas and find a cheap way to get fit, then running is a great, affordable option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All you really need in terms of specialised equipment is a pair of decent running shoes, which you can buy very easily from high street stores like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.decathlon.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Decathlon<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportsdirect.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sports Direct<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you build up your mileage, you can invest in running gear like running socks and running leggings, and even a running watch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out some of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/must-have-running-accessories\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5081\">running accessories I swear by during training<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Running releases &lsquo;feel good&rsquo; hormones<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For many people, January is a bit of a downer following the excitement at Christmas. So what better way to give yourself a pick me up by going for a run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Running makes your body release &lsquo;feel-good&rsquo; hormones like dopamine, serotonin, endorphins and norepinephrine which contribute to the amazing &lsquo;runner&rsquo;s high&rsquo; you get after a run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even walking can contribute to an improved mood!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moving your body has positive effects on your physical and mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It also adds to the already significant body of research showing that running and other forms of aerobic exercise can improve mood and help fight anxiety and depression.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In June 2018, The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and<a href=\"https:\/\/www.parkrun.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Parkrun UK<\/a> launched a ground-breaking initiative to prescribe outdoor physical activity to patients rather than medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The initiative aims to improve the health and wellbeing of patients and health care staff, reducing the need for lifelong medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It also aims to further increase awareness amongst GPs, and all practice staff, of Parkrun and the positive impact physical activity and volunteering can have on health and wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Parkrun is something I look forward to every week. If you&rsquo;re new to Parkrin, check out my post on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/what-to-expect-at-your-first-parkrun\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"348\">what to expect at your first Parkrun<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/16-683x1024.png\" alt=\"motivation to go running\" class=\"wp-image-2846\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/16-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/16-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/16.png 735w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/16-683x1024.png.webp\" alt=\"motivation to go running\" class=\"wp-image-2846 lazyload\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/16-683x1024.png.webp 683w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/16-200x300.png.webp 200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/16.png.webp 735w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/16.png\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Running helps you lose weight<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&rsquo;ve indulged over Christmas, perhaps a few too many mince pies or candy treats, then running is a great way to shed those extra pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to make the most out of your running to lose weight, your training plan needs to include a range of workouts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These workouts can torch a lot of calories without spending hours pounding the pavement.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While there is no best way to lose weight through running, intense workouts like interval training are better for burning calories.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out my blog post on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/running-for-weight-loss\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2828\">running for weight loss<\/a> for the most effective running workouts to help you lose weight.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Running gets you outdoors<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Running is a great excuse to get outdoors in the fresh air.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&rsquo;ve spent all Christmas stuck indoors with family and friends, get outside and go for a run &ndash; it&rsquo;s great for the body, mind and soul.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And why not practice mindful running? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/how-to-practice-mindful-running\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"656\">Mindful running<\/a> is essentially about being more mentally connected with your movement and not being distracted when you run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shrugging off external pressures and distractions and listening to your body sounds simple but it&rsquo;s surprisingly hard when you&rsquo;re used to thinking about a million things at once.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next time you go for a run, try leaving your phone and sports watch at home and just listen to your body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/17-683x1024.png\" alt=\"motivation to go running\" class=\"wp-image-2847\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/17-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/17-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/17.png 735w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/17-683x1024.png.webp\" alt=\"motivation to go running\" class=\"wp-image-2847 lazyload\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/17-683x1024.png.webp 683w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/17-200x300.png.webp 200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/17.png.webp 735w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/17.png\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Running inspires you to take up other forms of exercise<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Running inspires many people to take up other forms of exercise like yoga, pilates, cycling, swimming and hiking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The confidence you get from running means you feel better equipped both physically and mentally to challenge yourself in different ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Exercise like yoga and swimming are also great ways to include forms of cross training and strength training in your training plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These are all essential to help you become a stronger and faster runner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out my complete guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/strength-training-for-runners-2\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2692\">strength training for runners<\/a> for more tips on including strength workouts in your weekly routine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another way to experiment with running and other forms of exercise is to start the <a href=\"https:\/\/redtogether.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">RED January 2020<\/a> challenge.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is an initiative that challenges you to get active every day, your way.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you run, swim, cycle or choose your favourite fitness activity, set your goal and enjoy support from the RED community.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do you want to give running a go this January? Or simply get outdoors more? You have plenty of motivation to go running this January. January doesn&rsquo;t have to be a blue month. There are ways to get active, get outdoors more and really focus on your running goals. Whether you&rsquo;ve set yourself a goal &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3121,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false},"categories":[39],"tags":[157,90],"mv":{"thumbnail_id":3121,"thumbnail_uri":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/33-300x300.png"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2838"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2838"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2838\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8203,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2838\/revisions\/8203"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3121"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2838"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2838"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2838"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}