Trent Park Running Club

04/10/2024

Witnessing the different sports and dedication of athletes at the Olympics this summer may have inspired you to try a new sport or take your training schedule to the next level. But how do you keep your good intentions? According to Tony Westbury, Associate Professor in Sport and Exercise Psychology at Edinburgh Napier University one “hot research topic at the moment” when it comes to motivation could be the key. It isn’t willpower or determination - it’s enjoyment.

The Science of Motivation

Tony explains that pleasure is derived from “things that are intrinsically motivated, so we do them for the sheer joy – and the research tells us that there are three main ingredients to intrinsic motivation”. Tap into those, and you could find an exercise habit that sticks – with all the health and fitness benefits that brings.

The first ingredient is autonomy; “when we’re told to do stuff, we don’t like it”, he says (hello, PE classes). “Second is competence (because we don’t like doing activities that we don’t think we can do) and the third ingredient is social connection; doing something with likeminded people whose company you enjoy.” 

Just Give it a Go

In terms of autonomy, try something totally new, be it BMX, kayaking or climbing, and decide that if you like it, great, and if not, you’ll try something else.

You’ll find an array of indoor and outdoor sporting facilities all on the doorstep of our homes. Visit West Reservoir Centre at Woodberry Down in Finsbury Park, where you can make the most of 23 acres of water by taking a course in sailing or kayaking. Want to get the kids involved? The Youth Club provides water sports sessions, and there are school holiday multi-activity weeks.

The Castle Climbing Centre, at Woodberry Down has over 450 climbing routes and around 90 roped lines. There are also bouldering routes, if you were inspired by Team GB’s gold medallist Toby Roberts. And you can try a taster session or one-day course.

At Highwood Village, Horsham, you could give the BMX Pump Track a go. The 200-metre-track is made up of a variety of berms and jumps and is perfect for kids and adults, beginners to thrill seekers! The idea is you go all the way around the course without needing to pedal, as you ‘pump’ the features and go with the natural momentum you’ll build up. 

Whatever you try, don’t be intimidated, says Tony. “Often, once you get a small dose of something new you think, ‘what was I worried about?’” 

Socialise at the Same Time

Tap into that social connection ingredient, too. Running clubs can be a way in - and don’t assume they’re all full of serious athletes chasing their next personal best. Our Trent Park development in Enfield, North London has a running club, which welcomes athletes from 18 to 80 and beyond (there is also a Junior section for ages nine to 17) and every ability “from walkers to speed demons”. Some sessions are in the park, some on the road and others on the athletics track.  

There’s both a running club and a walking group at Hartland Village in Hampshire, or you can just enjoy walking or jogging the ‘trim trails’ with a friend, lovely walkways that meander through 200 acres of greenery. Meanwhile, at Abbey Barn Park in High Wycombe, there’s a fitness trail with outdoor exercise equipment and 34-acre country park for running, walking or cycling. 

Build It Into Your Daily Life

“The single biggest reason people give for not being physically active is lack of time,” says Tony. Having exercise facilities, swimming pools and gyms right by your home helps, of course. You’re much more likely to use them if they’re convenient and quick to get to.

Another solution is active commuting - walk part-way, jog or cycle to work. Highcroft in Wallingford features green trails to cycle, jog or walk towards the town centre, or you can take the Thames towpath at Wallingford, which takes you through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. At Hartland Village, which features gorgeous woodland cycle routes, there are plans for a Green Travel Hub featuring a cycle repair facility, making it easier to build a commute into your life.

Tom Theuwissen, Project Sales Manager at Grand Union in Wembley, is one such active commuter. He cycles to work along Grand Union Canal’s cycle route, which goes from Wembley, via Little Venice to Paddington in less than 30 minutes. The benefits are many, says Tom: “It’s great to start the day with a clear head and to empty your mind on the way home. Staying in shape and saving money on public transport are also benefits.” 

Just Start

Once you’ve found something you like, you want to keep going. Tony points out that you may need to reframe your thoughts if doubt creeps in. Remind yourself that “this is the best bit of your day, not the worst bit. That it brings joy”, says Tony. You can also take the elite athlete approach: “When I was training competitively I had a strategy - and a lot of people do this - if you feel tired and you don’t want to go, the deal is you put your kit on and you can come home after 10 minutes. Once you’re out the front door, you realise you’re enjoying it,” he says.

Other strategies, include having an exercise buddy, or something to work towards, so you’re ticking off the preparation. Also, lay out your kit the night before as encouragement.  

Don’t Forget Recovery

Equally, if you’re training hard make sure you pace yourself. “Sometimes you need to rest. Know your body well enough to say, today I’m resting,” says Tony. Research backs this up; among elite athletes, rest days and recovery improve sleep quality, alleviate boredom and limit stress.

At Alexandra Gate in North London, early next year residents will be able to unwind with a sauna, steam, yoga class or a treatment. And The Retreat at Wandsworth Mills in South London will open in 2027 featuring myriad ways to relax body and mind. The Aqua Sanctuary indoor pool will feel like a lush jungle, thanks to the abundant greenery and natural light flooding the space. The thermal spa will feature therapeutic pools to ease tense muscles, or you can take a sauna, book a massage or simply sneak off to a hidden away treehouse, to soak up the tranquillity after a busy week. You will have earned it!