5 TIPS FOR STAYING STRONG AND FIT POST-5K

The hard work is done, the distance has been conquered… but now the real work begins to ensure that fitness and that feeling of being stronger and fitter than yesterday stays with you. Here are Eliza’s top tips for building training into your everyday life:

1. Go for fun. Choose something that you enjoy. Make it a joy to move, not a punishment. It’s easier to stick with something that you look forward to and that leaves a smile on your face – so if you’ve done a 5K and hated it, park the running for a bit and try out cycling, walking, dancing, yoga, strength training. There really is a movement for everyone.

2. Make it easy to follow. The more effort that you have to make to start a session, the less likely you are to do it. If it’s an effort to run after work, why not try to fit it in before you have your morning shower? Or get dressed in your gym kit first thing, ready to work out at lunchtime. If you’re already wearing the gear, you won’t find an excuse to swerve the session.

3. Know why you’re doing it. Dig deep and identify why exactly you’ve chosen this new goal. What’s going to be your reason for sticking with it? Placing a reminder of this somewhere prominent can help – whether that’s a note in your work journal, a message on your desktop or a wallpaper on your phone.

4. Surround yourself with support. It’s hard to stick with a goal if you’re not supported. Make sure you’ve got people around you who believe in what you’re doing and are your own personal cheerleading squad, whether they’re members of your family, partner, mates or online communities.

5. Choose a goal that is achievable. Rather than aiming to do five workouts a week, commit to two or three days that are non-negotiable. Cut down on the time you set aside if you’re struggling to turn up; a 20 minute run is better than no run – if consistency or mileage is your goal.

3 women on how they continued to get strong after Couch to 5K