• Set Realistic Goals Lock in realistic goals that are current to your fitness level and time-frame to prepare.
• Get buy in from your partner, friends and family Make sure your loved ones are aware of your goals and training regimen. This will help with the support factor and accountability.
• Put your Goals on the Fridge This is to remind yourself and everyone in your house of the end goal and what you want to achieve so you have a visual, it stays top of mind and acts as a countdown to the event.
• Get a Running kit Make sure you have comfortable clothes and shoes that you like. When you look good, you feel good too.
• Find someone to train with This will help you stay motivated and will mean you are less likely to forgo your training.
• Set a realistic training program Make sure this is suitable for you, your fitness level and age. It's not a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Run somewhere enjoyable Train in an area that you like, even if it means jumping in the car and driving for 20 minutes to get there.
• Run in the morning Get it out of the way so you can get on with the rest of your day. Afternoon or evening training tends not to happen after a long and busy day.
• Lock in the same day of training Have set days that you train; three to four times a week at the same time.
• Be prepared for wet or cold weather Have a plan so you stick to your training. Get wet-weather clothes or gear for when it's cold so you can still train.

STAY TUNED...

Importance of Hydration

The human body needs water to survive. Every organ and cell needs to stay hydrated in order for the body to function at its best. Up to 60% of the adult body is made up of water. It is used as the base building material in cells and performs a number of other benefits within our bodies. Age, weight, and gender determine the amount of water you need to drink during the day; athletes may need to drink more water because they lose more fluids during physical activities.

How Do You Know if You Need Water?

A good way to determine if you need to drink more water is to check the color of your urine. The darker your urine is, the more water you need to drink. If your urine is light or has no color, then you are well hydrated. Other signs of dehydration include fatigue, dry mouth, headache, and dizziness.

Reasons for Staying Hydrated

The importance of hydration is essential not only for physical health, but for mental health as well. There is an extensive list of benefits to drinking plenty of water, here are some of the most discussed topics.

• Increase in Energy and Improved Productivity - Dehydration can cause fatigue and significantly reduce brain function. If you're feeling like your cognitive skills aren't at their usual speed, it may be time to grab some water.
• Improved Physical Performance - Physical activity causes your body to lose a lot of fluids. Staying hydrated before, during, and after exercise can make your workout feel better. Water can keep your performance up while exercising and prevent fatigue after.
• Weight Loss - Often times when you feel hungry, it may be because your body simply needs water. Drinking water will not satisfy hunger. It is a way to control the calories consumed day to day. The next time you feel hungry, try drinking water first and it may surprise you.
• Mood Booster - When your body is hydrated, it's performing its best which helps put you in a good mood. If you notice yourself slipping into a negative mood, drinking water can help.
• Headache Prevention - Headaches are often due to dehydration and can be relieved by drinking water. It's important to stay hydrated to avoid headaches and migraines, particularly if you are prone to getting them.

Some people struggle to drink water because they don't like the taste. Drinking something that tastes like nothing can get boring. There are ways to improve water such as adding fruit, lemon is common, cucumber, or mint. Try spicing things up to stay hydrated!