they need to function properly," says Edwards. "Deep, long breaths activate the parasympathetic nervous system, slowing down your heart rate and reducing anxiety." My last race was a shocker – and now I've lost my motivation What's happening That brick

they need to function properly," says Edwards. "Deep, long breaths activate the parasympathetic nervous system, slowing down your heart rate and reducing anxiety." My last race was a shocker – and now I've lost my motivation What's happening That brick

find your fatigue building after a couple of weeks, take a few easy training days, and then carry on.You can do similar things in other sports as well. Try a set of hard 100ms in the pool, or two-minute intervals on the bike. By training this way, you

plan or progression. You put in junk miles because you can fit them in, not because they are specific to your goals. They fatigue you, but have no meaningful benefit. Remember this: it is not about finding more time to train, but using the time you do

Running addicts can be hard to take, but being laissez-faire isn't ideal, either. "Competition motivates you, but you need to focus on your own performance, not on how others do," says performance counsellor Shaunna Taylor of the Association

of assessing your progress, but sometimes it creates pressure that you just don’t need.I resolve to Join a running clubWhy? A club will add structure, motivation and competition to your running, as well as adding a new social dimension to your favourite sport

and your current energy level, Is this run reasonable or is it asking too much? Experience will help here, because it will help you to discern the difference between exhaustion and a lack of motivation.Sound advice Be sure to always make your plans specific

fitness and build on it. Whether you want to work on your motivation, speed, strength or endurance, we’ve got a plan for you.SUMMER ACHIEVEMENT: Became a runnerAUTUMN GOAL: Stay motivatedThis summer, you became a runner (maybe again). Congrats. Now

’s time to stir up your routine. When you do the same run, day after day, you’re seldom challenged and your motivation is bound to sag. Think of it this way: if you eat a tuna and salad sandwich four days in a row, you’ll probably notice how delicious a

Setting challenging yet attainable goals is key to maintaining a long-term running career. After all, you’re more likely to stay motivated when you have something to work towards and can measure your progress at regular intervals. But picking