Running

We often tend to start off with something that we’ve been meaning to do, real well. Our new year’s resolutions are a really good example for that.
When it comes to running, it is just the same. We are supremely motivated by the event we’ve registered for and will train for it ceaselessly, but what happens right after that?
What happens when you don’t have an event to look forward to immediately, when the embrace of slumber does not let you go when you want to get out for a run in the morning, when we get just plain lazy?

Well, we all face these issues and others, from professional athletes to the beginner who has just started running. Here are some of the ways you can battle them.

Track your Progress

First and foremost, track your progress using a device or app so that you have solid data to show you how well you are doing, how far you’ve come, etc. It will provide you with immense motivation if you can see you progress rather than just to arbitrarily run, even if you don’t plan on increasing your distance or speed to participate in an event. Tangible data will allow your brain to feel that you are as a matter of fact making progress, regardless of however minute that progress is; you may see it in increased distance, increased speed, increased efficiency, reduced effort in doing the same distances or speeds.
You can also look back at this data to motivate yourself by seeing how far you’ve come.

There are dedicated trackers such as the Fitbit, etc which provide basic step counting data, as well as the Garmin, Tom Tom, Polar, Suunto etc kind of watch performance trackers which provide a much more in-depth approach to your training and run.
You can also reach for a more pervasive and frugal solution of using Sports tracking apps for mobile devices such as Endomondo, Nike+, Adidas micoach, and runkeeper etc. These provide a rather solid outlook into your progress and are easy to use, just put your device into an armband, strap it onto your arm and go for a run.

Challenge your Friends

Challenging your friends, colleagues, spouses etc is a good way to ensure that you have each other to motivate one another when you feel the inertial pangs that don’t allow you to go for a run. There are mobile apps that can help you in this like The Fitness Games or the various apps listed earlier. Either virtually or physically having someone check on you (or even pick on you) will drive the competitive spirit to help you get out of the door

Reward Yourself

Giving yourself a treat every now and then for making it out the door can help in maintaining a regular fitness regime. It could be anything, tangible or intangible; a new singlet, pair of shoes, tracking device, registration to an event, a book etc on completion of a certain distance or time period out on a run that you may choose. There are also services that automatically count points for you, send you a message of encouragement and that some employers or health providers may even use to reward you like Everymove.

At the end of the day, if you can get yourself to get out there for a run, regardless of how you manage to do that, you are going to see phenomenal results, both mentally and physically.

Cheers! and #Runstrong!

We all wonder what happens inside our bodies when we run. Click here to find out 

We all wonder what happens inside our bodies when we run. Click here to find out 

About Soles of Cochin

Soles of Cochin is a registered running club in Cochin.

Run for dear life, quite literally, and better it in the process. Run and discover the joys of running and its health benefits. That’s what Soles of Cochin, Kerala (SOCK) is propagating. They are, with their weekly run, spreading the goodness of this physical activity. Soles of Cochin aims to take running right into people’s hearts, to become a part of their lifestyle.

The group comprises of a bunch of people who believe in staying healthy and have opted running as a means to do that. It is an affiliation based community and does not include fees or membership – common interest to run is the theme that binds people. Soles of Cochin is a self-funded, leaderless initiative with no commercial or business intent other than to promote running in Cochin and neighboring communities. With this objective of promoting running, the group does informal meet ups over runs organized across Kochi and participates in organized runs. With the purely organic growth achieved through word of mouth, the group has about 100 Kochi based members who run at least twice a week.

Soles of Cochin is a freestyle group with each runner running his or her preferred distance/pace. Runners will not only enjoy running with the group but also become a better runner because of the group dynamics.

How do I get Soles of Cochin T Shirt?

Send a message to solesofcochin@gmail.com specifying the following details:

Type:     Singlet/Sleeved T Shirt

T Shirt Size:  (38/40/42/44)

Color:    (Orange/Green)

Cost of Singlet/T Shirt:  Rs.250

For races, the Soles of Cochin members wear Green T/Singlet.

For training runs, Soles wear Orange Singlet/T

If you have ordered one, you can collect the T Shirt/Singlet when you come for the Sunday Run. You can make the payment at the same time.

What is the start location of the runs?

On Sundays, usually it starts from RSC Kadavanthra @ 5.30 am. If there is a change, it will be posted in the Facebook Group Soles Of Cochin (Cochin Runners).

Infopark Front Gate, Emmanual Silks Edapally are the other start locations.The start location and time will be posted in the Facebook Group usually a day or two before the run.

Does the group run only on Sundays?

The group runs on other days as well. All details will be posted in the facebook group.

Some members of the group have formed sub groups with Soles members in the neighborhood. They group together on regular week days for runs.

The Sunday run usually starts from Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium – Kadavanthara, but that can change as well. So just watch out and you can see date/time/location posted in the group.

The goal and training plan of each runner is different, so the planned weekend runs sometimes start at varying times

A sample weekend run:

    Start Location: Decathlon, Kalamassery

30K run start time:  4.30 am

20 K  run start time:  5.00 am

15K  run start time:  5.30 am

10 K run start time:  6.00 am

5K run start time:  6.30 am

There will be hydration points for long runs. Few Soles members volunteer to provide hydration and support for the fellow runners along the route.

I am a beginner in running. What guidelines should I follow?

Just start running!

Lots of people joined this group as beginners, with no running base. You can run at your own pace and choose a distance comfortable for you in the beginning. The Sunday runs starting at RSC Kadavanthara at 5.30 am would be the best to start with since all the runners take a break at half way point giving ample time for all to catch up so you will not be left alone. The group will give you all the support and motivation that you need, don’t you worry. Slowly increase your pace and distance.

Here’s an article which can be of help

What is the purpose of a race organized by Soles of Cochin?

The sole objective of Soles of Cochin is to promote running. If there is any fund generated through any of the events organized by Soles, it will be exclusively used to promote running (encouraging budding athletes is one in the agenda). The decision on how to use the fund will be made by the Governing Body members. The Running Club is declared as a charitable society and all the events/activities/programs shall be non-profitable and aimed to promote running as a hobby/sport.