According to Verywell Health, a lack of persistence can happen to anyone, even experienced athletes. However, beginners are often the most easily discouraged. Therefore, to maintain long-term motivation, runners need a detailed plan and should leverage technology as a source of encouragement.
Strategies for maintaining motivation
Sports coaches from Verywell Health believe that setting specific goals is an important first step. Instead of saying "I want to be healthier," runners need to define milestones, such as completing a 5k in 8 weeks. Breaking the journey into smaller, short-term goals makes each step forward feel like a small victory, nurturing the inspiration to keep going.
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A runner warms up before a workout. Photo: Garmin |
A runner warms up before a workout. Photo: Garmin
Along with setting goals, runners are advised to establish a schedule. When running is integrated into their daily routine, like having breakfast or going to bed on time, they no longer have to contemplate whether to run today. It simply becomes a natural part of their lives. Sometimes, the motivation to maintain a schedule comes from small details like buying new workout clothes or signing up for a running course.
Verywell Health also suggests that running enthusiasts should track their training progress through fitness trackers, smartwatches, and sports apps. Seeing clear progress each day provides a mental boost, helping them pursue and stick to their goals.
Technology as a support system
Previously, many runners relied solely on distance or time to evaluate their workouts. However, these basic figures don't fully reflect progress or offer suggestions for adjustments. Therefore, the need for detailed data analysis has become key to helping runners stay motivated.
Thanks to data, every effort is quantified into specific numbers. For example, by monitoring training load over several weeks, runners can determine if their training volume aligns with their goals and physical condition. Combined with real-time health tracking, from heart rate and sleep quality to body energy levels, runners gain a clear understanding of how their bodies are adapting, when to increase intensity, and when to rest.
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Runners train with friends to stay motivated. Photo: Garmin |
Runners train with friends to stay motivated. Photo: Garmin
This is why smart sports watches are considered a runner's companion. Beyond pace, distance, and heart rate, smartwatches delve into advanced metrics like VO2 max, training load, HRV, body battery, and recovery ability.
Garmin is a popular brand among runners. Garmin devices, combined with the Garmin Connect platform, help store and analyze training data. Features like workout reminders, personalized run suggestions based on fitness level, and Garmin Coach – a virtual coach right on the wrist – help design personalized training plans and adjust them intelligently according to goals (5k, 10k, half marathon).
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A user wears a Garmin watch. Photo: Garmin |
A user wears a Garmin watch. Photo: Garmin
For instance, 29-year-old Pham Ngoc Huyen stated that previously, she used a watch only to measure distance, so she didn't have a clear grasp of her progress. Recently, she switched to a Garmin to track more data. "I've improved my pace from 7:00 to 6:10 in just three months. That motivates me to keep going," she said.
A Garmin Vietnam representative said that maintaining motivation comes not only from willpower but also from the right support system. This includes clear goals, detailed tracking data, and community connection. "With Garmin, runners will always have someone to remind them, acknowledge their achievements, and give them a boost every day," the representative stated.
Hoai Phuong
