The power of accountability first comes by the commitment you make to yourself. So, congratulations, you’ve made the decision to run. Next comes accountability to others and finding support on your running journey.
Self-accountability means taking responsibility for your life and your actions. What does this look like? This means setting goals for yourself and taking steps to achieve them.
You also want to be accountable to others. This means being honest and vulnerable about your goals and plan, while owning up to the consequences if roadmaps are not reached.
Set Goals
When it comes to running, you want to have short-term and long-term goals. Short-term goals could be run/walking three times a week or running a mile without stopping. Long-term goals could be a distance like a half-marathon or marathon, a weight loss goal, or fitting into that bathing suit before your summer trip. Whatever the goal, make it clear what you want to accomplish.
If you’re having trouble setting a goal, you may need to know your “Why!” The goal may not be enough to get you out of the house, especially when it’s cold outside. Knowing why could be the push you need.
Being accountable to others
When you know that someone is counting on you to follow through on your running goals, it can provide an extra source of motivation. Being accountable to others will also help you stay on track and push through challenging workouts. Here are some ways to be accountable to others.
Register for a race
Most runners register for a race. Training for a race makes you stick to your running goals. If you’ve never run before, train for a 5k. If you run and stay active, a 10K or half marathon may be a more challenging race for you. If you are an avid runner, do a marathon or ultra-marathon.
Races will also give you a cause to run for and help your community. Most funds that are raised go to charity or a non-profit. Finding a cause that means something to you can also help with your why.
Join a running group
Joining a running group will not only keep you accountable, but give you the support you need. There are many benefits of joining a running group.
- Gives you someone to run with
- Pushes you to reach your running goals
- Gives you motivation
- Connects you to a community of people that knows the physical and mental toll running can take
There are paid running groups you can join. You can get information on most of these groups at your local running store. Most of these groups offer great incentives like water stops during training runs, pacers and training coaches, and nutritional help. They may also have partnerships with physical therapists to evaluate you if you have any issues.
You can also join unpaid running groups. These groups can be found by word of mouth or a social media/google search. They don’t come with all the perks you would get from paid groups, but you get a sense of community and other runners to push you. This is how I ran my first four miles without stopping.
Hire a running coach
If you’re looking for more personalized support and guidance, hiring a running coach could be a great option. A coach can help you set goals, create a running plan, and provide support and motivation along the way. They can also give you feedback on your form and technique, as well as help you navigate injuries or plateaus in your training.
There are many running coaches available, and finding the right one for you will depend on your specific goals and techniques. You can search for coaches in your area through websites like Road Runners Club of America or the United States Track and Field coaching directory. You can also ask for recommendations from your local running store or running club.
Running support from friends and family
You’ll also want to tell your friends and family about the goals you are trying to accomplish. They are the ones who see you on a regular basis. Family and friends also know the sacrifice you are making to pursue your running goals.
You can also ask friends and family to be your running partner. This will help you both stay motivated and accountable.
To be honest, running can sometimes be a lonely sport and having someone to provide support and encouragement can make all the difference. Whither it’s someone to talk to when you’re struggling or someone to celebrate your success with, having friends and family on your side can provide valuable emotional support.
Run with a dog
Running with your dog can keep you accountable, but it can also be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend. Dogs need to go out regularly to do their business, but they also need physical exercise. Running with your dog can help you both stay in shape and improve your overall health.
Other benefits of running with your dog:
- Bonding and socialization: Running with your dog can strengthen the bond between you and your pet. It can also provide an opportunity for socialization. Your dog will have the chance to interact with other people and dogs while on runs, which can help improve their social skills.
- Mental stimulation: Running with your dog can provide mental stimulation for your pet. They will have the chance to see new sights, smell new scents, and interact with the environment in a new way.
- Improved behavior: Running with your dog can help improve their behavior by providing an outlet for their energy and reducing boredom. It can also help reinforce positive behaviors, such as following commands and walking politely on a leash.
- Increased safety: Running with your dog can also increase your safety while on runs. Dogs can act as a deterrent to potential threats, such as wild animals or aggressive dogs.
Accountability tools
There are many tools and apps available that can help you stay accountable and track your progress towards your running goals. For example, you can use a running app like Strava, Garmin Connect or Cool Runnings Fitness to track your runs and share your progress with others. The Cool Runnings Fitness app also lets your friends record a message that you can hear during your run to keep you motivated. You can request an invite now!
There are also habit-tracking apps like Habitica or Streaks that can help you stay consistent with your training.
Conclusion
Overall, accountability can be a powerful tool for reaching running goals. Whether it’s through a running coach, a training partner, a friend, or an accountability tool, having someone to hold you accountable can help you stay motivated, consistent, and focused on your goals.
