It can be hard to stay motivated at this time of year. The initial New Year fitness buzz has passed, and now the official winter has ended, the real cold and wet months start. As if it's not hard enough to stay motivated to get fit, without the weather putting you off more. If you have missed a run or two, and it feels a real challenge to get out the door, don't worry, you aren't alone. Here are just a few things that may help.

Paul crossing the finish line.

On Paul's feet: Men's OOriginal Sport Graphite

Book an event

Having something to work towards will keep you motivated. Lots of spring races are coming up, so put your winter training to the test and give yourself a challenge.

Set yourself targets

Having a goal race is a great way to get you out, but this isn't for everyone, and you may not feel ready. Or if you race a lot this may not be enough to get you out. Set yourself mini goals and make them achievable, look for small gains. This way you will keep going out to achieve them. A park run is a great way to measure weekly progress.

Try something new

A challenge doesn't need to be time or distance related. Have fun and think outside the box when you set yourself challenges. You could run to work, find a new route, go to a set location, race public transport, the possibilities are endless. Invest time into planning a challenge, then go out there and do it.

Plan rewards

What keeps you going? I for one like to be rewarded. Set yourself treats, whether this be something simple like a cup of hot chocolate after a run, a takeaway at the end of a week, or putting money aside to build up to something you really want. If you have something to look forward to you will work for it.

Run with others

It's easy to miss a long run if no one knows about it. l, but if you have a friend or a club waiting for you then you are less likely to disappoint. Making it social is a great motivator to you can go for a run, then a coffee and cake, now that's worth getting out of bed for.

Track progress

Gradual progress will often go unnoticed. If you don't track this progress you can lose motivation as you don't think you are getting better. However, have you ever looked back a number of months or years and thought, wow, look how far I've come? Well track the small milestones and keep motivated to push more.

Get new kit

Treat yourself to some new running gear, and get out there and use it. Often a nice new pair of trainers will be a good motivator, and can keep you going until your next big race.

Have fun

Why are you doing this? What do you want to achieve? Whatever your answers remember to enjoy yourself. You may want to lose wait, improve your speed, or hit a new distance target. If you enjoy yourself whilst you are doing it then you will keep doing it.

Don't forget at the end of the day that sometimes it's ok to have a break. If you don't feel motivated, it's not the end of the world if you just relax. Recovery is a vital part of training, and is often overlooked. If you are tired and unmotivated, just make sure the answer isn't that you need some time to recover... put your feet up and feel the OOOO!!!!

Follow Paul on Social Media