5 New Year’s Resolutions for Runners

‍Establishing self-care running goals for yourself in 2023 can help maximize your growth and keep you on track to reach new heights! Whether you’re in the Couch to 5k category of runners, or a professional athlete, there is always room to improve your everyday processes. Many runners set resolutions for themselves to hit higher mileage, decrease their mile time, or run further distances. While these can be incredible motivators, focusing on self-care is just as important as hitting that sub six-minute mile. Self-care can keep your both physically and mentally on-track to be as healthy as possible and enjoy running for as long as you can!

1. Work on Consistency

One of the best was to become a more consistent runner is to create a running schedule for yourself. Try writing down and scheduling your runs for the first month of 2023, checking them off as each day passes. Seeing your accomplishments each day provides additional encouragement for your yourself, and once you begin to see your progress, you’re going to have that burning desire to keep going! Be sure to set a reasonable goal for yourself within the timeframe, and schedule days for yourself to rest each week.

2. Stretch Every Day

Most runners know they should stretch after every run. However, there are also benefits to doing some light stretching every day, even on the days where you don’t work out. Stretching daily can help prevent injuries, while increasing overall flexibility.

3. Focus on Foot Care

Foot injuries are unfortunately very common and can cause major setbacks for your running progress and goals. Taking proper care of your feet takes virtually no time out of your day. Wearing moisture-wicking socks can help prevent athlete's foot, alongside the prevention of blistering and irritation. Running-specific socks traditionally have targeted compression on different parts of your foot as well to help alleviate some foot fatigue. Stretching your feet can also help avoid injury and muscle strain.

4. Incorporate Trail Running into your Routine

Try switching up your running environment by adding a trail run into your routine whenever you can. Not only is this a nice change of pace from running on a treadmill, or around your neighborhood, but spending time in nature has also been known to reduce stress, improve concentration and promote happiness.

5. Join a Running Group

Joining a running group can help increase your motivation to log those miles, while helping you connect with other runners and make new friendships! You will meet many people who will help encourage you to reach your goals. If you’re looking to make some new friends with similar interests, chatting with new people during a run is also a great place to start! Check out the eseo app to find other runners in your area register for your next race on Run The Day!

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