Running For Rewards

Sometimes, if not all, we fail to locate a glimmer of motivation in order to step outside and run as if our lives depend on it. That's something only a collective group of people are able to do without thinking twice about petty things like most of us do. Say, for example, things like a spot of rain, or a slight lump on our heel. A lot of us convince ourselves that because of these minor speed bumps, running isn't supposed to become a reality during our daily routines. A few, on the other hand, tackle these obstacles with brute force and smash through the fitness wall with little hesitation. If, however, like me you struggle to so much as remove a single brick, then you need the motivational break, my friend.

Like you, I've spent several years promising myself a better track record and personal fitness regime. Sadly, however, I've often fallen short by the time February settles in and resorted to "trying next year" instead. That's where a lot of us tend to derail and forget about the personal goals we set ourselves prior to the new years approach. But, what if I told you there was a way to find motivation without having to dangle cake slices on a fishing tackle for five miles? Well, believe it or not – it is surprisingly real.

One of the most effective ways to start running on a regular basis is to start virtual running. Yeah – remember that? It was a pretty big thing a fair few years back and almost everybody took part in it. These days, however, not so much. Whether it's because people have forgotten about it or just haven't been introduced to it is completely unknown. But, for many, it is an opportunity to dive into something fresh that can also deliver powerful results.

Virtual running, for those who aren't aware, is basically the idea of tracking your run via an app on your device, like Samsung Fitness, Strava or RunKeeper. With the track evidence, runners can submit a screenshot to multiple websites and, in return, receive various rewards including quirky medals, certificates, gear and gifts. This is a pretty simplistic method of gathering our attention and giving us a reason to work towards something other than a better fitness record. It's a novelty idea that can give achievement hunters the extra shove in order to grasp greater results.

Sure, so the thought of owning an entire showcase of running medals seems like a feat only reachable for an athlete. But, thanks to virtual running and associated sites, anybody can work towards that glistening cabinet packed full of sparkling trophies. And, what's better is that most sources contribute a portion of money towards various charities around the world. Oh, yeah, I forgot to add that part. But don't let this lead you away just yet!

Entering a virtual run is quite simple. It's basically finding a medal you like, picking a 5k, 10k or higher, and then purchasing the event. Then, once you complete the distance whenever you feel comfortable to, you can snapshot the evidence on your phone and submit it to the website. This concludes with a nice little congratulatory message and a posted batch of goods. That's really all there is to it. There are no times in order to beat the distance in. There are no routes in which you need to take. There are no exaggerated goals or angry coaches. It's simply you, an app, and a distance. That's all.

Whether you'd prefer to run 5k in the park at dawn or 10k across a beach at midnight – it makes very little difference. You can even walk it and take four hours to finish the distance. Either way, so long as you capture the proof of actually doing it, nothing is stopping you from reaping the many shiny rewards from virtual running.

Taking up running is often a burden in many of our eyes. But, with something as basic as a few little niche trophies, we can feel a little bit better about ourselves. We can promote our fitness and show off the rewards to fellow runners as we cram as many medals into a case as possible. That's a little tip that can persuade many people who're struggling to take the first step.

Virtual running, of course, isn't everybody's cup of tea. Not everyone likes medals and certificates. That's understandable, and I realise this will not pull every reader over to start sprinting. However, that being said, I do personally know plenty of people who have gone on to live very physical lives thanks to the roots of virtual running. And, from what started off as a few little medals for motivation eventually transformed into a hobby for the sake of progress. That's a goal a lot of us need to try and reach, to be fair.

Again, it is a basic concept. But it is an effective one at that. So, will you be willing to take up virtual running in order to better yourself? It can truly be the start of something incredible if you put your mind to it.

Start the journey by visiting Medal Mad, Virtual Runner, or POW! Running.

Good luck out there!

#DaySeventeen #VocalChallenge #Longevity