Island Duo Launch Science-Based Planner to Help Runners Stay Motivated

Friday, 21 February 2025 14:58

By Dominic Kureen @WriteOnDom

Islanders Dr Rob Chard and Jen Parker have launched a first-of-its-kind tool that uses behavioural science to help people build a lasting running habit.

The Ultimate Runner’s Planner combines research in human behaviour and motivation and translates it into a strategy specific to runners that is easy to understand and follow.

Why Most People Struggle to Stay Motivated

Traditional running advice often focuses on external motivators – hitting a new personal best, losing weight or logging miles on a tracking app.

But research shows that these goals, while effective in the short term, often lead to burnout and inconsistent training.

Runner and neuroscientist Dr Rob Chard and his team created the guide to assist people through the process of maintaining their running motivation in the long term.

"People think they lack willpower when they stop running, but the problem is actually flawed motivation techniques," says Rob.

“The planner is based entirely on scientific research and incorporates proven, easy-to-implement strategies that make running easier, more enjoyable and more sustainable.”

A Practical, Science-Backed Guide

Designed for beginners and experienced runners alike, The Ultimate Runner’s Planner offers a structured yet flexible approach to motivation.

The physical A5 planner is divided into five key sections:

Setting the Foundations: Identify the motives that will work for you by answering questions like How do you want running to benefit your life? Start designing your running journey to align with your values.
Forming Running Habits: Discover the best, scientifically proven, ways to create habits that stick. Create personalised habit workflows to use before your runs and devise your weekly running commitments.
Sparking Running Motivation: Read the science behind sustainable motivation and discover your Pre-Run Journal, which you will complete to spark motivation when you aren’t feeling up to going for a run.
Journaling for Success: Explore the many benefits of journaling and discover your Post-Run Journal, which you will complete after every run. The journal will help you reflect on your journey and refine your running commitments.
Tracking Your Progress: Use the Running Log and Monthly Trackers to record your running journey in useful, visual ways. The charts and diagrams make it easy for you to recognise and evaluate your progress.

Informational pages at the beginning of every section guide the user through the science behind the action pages and explain how they can make the most of each section.

The planner’s proven techniques allow users to harness the motives that will work best for them and, ultimately, take control of their running journey.

Whether someone is taking their first steps into running or has years of experience but struggles with consistency, The Ultimate Runner’s Planner helps people stay engaged, reduce self-doubt and find joy in the process.

You can find further information on the guide via this link.

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