Interested in Running? Read Our Top Mindset Tips.

If you’re taking up running or a marathon for the first time, we all know how daunting it can be. We want to be fitter straight away. However, don't race to a negative conclusion immediately.

You need to buy new gear, you’re worried about your fitness, if you’re a parent how will you squeeze it in with the kids? The main thing is to really focus on the positives and not let anything stand in your way. We’re here to take you through some of the main thoughts that can hinder progress and give some helpful advice on how to overcome these. From setting goals to tracking progress, we've got you covered.

1. Success is a very individual thing. You don’t need to start comparing yourself to others. Always focus on yourself. You should gain confidence by any progress you make.

2. When you get in from work, do not sit down. Change immediately and run. I have fallen victim to the snacking and TV watching as soon as I arrive home. Once you’re actually in your gear there’s a much smaller chance that you’ll think about skipping the run. If you can get into that habit then great.

3. If you’re having general motivation issues, join a running group or form your own. The additional motivation you get from not letting people down will be enough for some consistent training. If you’re taking it a bit more seriously, join your local club. There are some massive social gains you can get here also.

4. Set yourself a goal. Get some friends and book a race. There’s nothing better for motivation than knowing you’ve spent money on an event to test yourself so you obviously won’t waste it. You'll be a lot more determined to see it through.

5. Some days you’ll mentally convince yourself you’re tired and you’ll slow yourself in the middle of a run. Again, I’m guilty but really try to push yourself. Think about the amazing feeling you’ll have when you arrive home after a big effort.

6. If you’re worried about your fitness or you’re lacking in confidence because of it, use my motto. If you’re out of breath, it’s working and you’re getting fitter.

7. If you’ve been out for a few runs and you have a slower one, don’t get down about it. You haven’t lost the fitness. This is honestly just a blip that won’t be there the next day. Maybe you forgot to eat lunch or eat before the run. Focus on the positives. At least you went out and did it. Everybody has bad days. Move on.

8. On the opposite side, if you blast out a new PB, make a big deal out of it. Feel great about it. This might happen a few times at the start.

9. If you’re getting frustrated that you haven’t broken a PB in a while, try not to. Look at your first times and see how far you’ve come. After a while, PB’s get harder to break but this happens to absolutely everybody. Your personal development is what you should be focused on.

10. Become aware of the positive side effects that running has on your life. You’ll start to sleep better, lose weight and improve your mood. I go by the theory that the more hours I spend outside, the more I notice how much better I feel. I urge you to try it.

11. Don't be impatient. Real results take time.

12. Really look forward to and enjoy your days off. Spend it outdoors as much as possible. You’ve earned it.

If you have any running questions at all, don’t hesitate to contact us at Wellclik.com and we’ll do our best to answer them.

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