Jaded by the excesses of New Year’s Eve, I take solace in a morning walk—a quiet, reflective escape from overindulgence. But today, as I ventured out onto the streets, I was met by an all too familiar sight: happy, smiley people sprinting past in their neon outfits, glowing not just from their gear but from the smugness of their newfound fitness resolutions. And good for them, I thought. Their energy is admirable. Yet I couldn’t help but chuckle at the outfits, soon to be folded away into the forgotten corners of their vintage chest of drawers when the novelty wears off.
On my daily two walks of two miles each, I’m accustomed to seeing just a couple of other joggers along the way. But this morning, as I looped around the Convent Field, Stanley Turner, and over towards Kingston, I counted an astonishing 62 runners pounding the pavement with the prideful swagger of New Year’s resolve. This isn’t a sad thing I usually do, I counted for the purposes of this blog. As they darted past, heads held high, some even glanced at me—a mere walker—with a certain air of superiority. The unspoken message seemed clear: I’m running; you’re only walking.
But their smug smiles didn’t faze me. I returned them with one of my own, knowing that I’d still be walking my steady four miles a day long after their running shoes had gathered dust. Research backs up this quiet confidence: only 6% of people stick with New Year’s fitness resolutions. For most, the determination to run dissolves as quickly as the adrenaline rush and piety that fuelled it. By February, the parks and paths will be as peaceful as ever.
I’m not critical of these hopeful runners, though. In fact, I applaud them for trying. Starting a fitness journey is tough, and even if most fall short, there’s value in giving it a go. But for those reading this, perhaps you’ll find comfort in knowing that fitness isn’t about sprinting into January with dayglo etiquette. It’s about the quiet, consistent steps—the walks, the habits, the routines—that truly stand the test of time. So, to the 62 runners I saw today, good luck. I hope to see at least a few of you still out there come springtime.
Every year, many people begin the New Year with ambitious fitness goals but studies show that 80% of these resolutions fail by mid-February. Running has a higher casualty rate. Why? Unrealistic expectations are often the main culprit. Many new runners aim for big goals—like running long distances or achieving fast speeds—without proper training. You see all of the new fangled devices that adorn them but which aren’t cool, they me3asure the standards you will fail by as you cannot keep standards up. When progress doesn’t happen quickly, discouragement sets in. Similarly, skipping basic preparation, such as investing in good running shoes or learning proper pacing, can lead to injuries that derail motivation. In fact, 65-80% of runners experience injuries annually, with beginners being especially prone.
Physical and Mental Barriers
Running can be physically demanding for those new to it. Soreness, shin splints, and discomfort are common, leading over 50% of new runners to quit within the first six weeks. On top of this, motivation often wanes without accountability or a support system, particularly during bad weather or stressful times. Overtraining is another issue; beginners who do too much too soon often experience burnout, both mentally and physically. Without enjoyment, running can feel like a chore, making it hard to stick with in the long term. In the middle aged runners, a lack of preparation will lead to arthritis flaring up and general joint problems.
How to Make Running Resolutions Stick
The key to sticking with a running routine is to start small and stay realistic. Set manageable goals, such as running for just 10 minutes a few times a week, and celebrate small milestones. Invest in proper gear to reduce discomfort, and focus on enjoying the process by exploring new routes or listening to music. Joining a running group or using an app can also help with motivation and accountability. With the right approach, running can become a sustainable and rewarding habit—one step at a time.
My top tip would be to start in the early spring, when the country comes to life and warmth visits again rather than when you feel like crap after a Christmas food and drink binge in the cold and dark mornings and evenings.
The Rights of Fans. 