Enjoying your runs will be the make or break of whether you stick with it or not. Quite simply, if we don't enjoy something, we don't do it! If you have to force yourself to get out there and run, creating a regular running habit is unlikely to happen — you are running for the wrong reasons. There are many different reasons for exercising, which can be split into extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Tick off any of the examples below to help you decide whether your motivations for running are, or have been, intrinsic or extrinsic:

INTRINSIC (YOU GAIN SATISFACTION FROM RUNNING ITSELF) 
-I enjoy the way running makes me feel
-Regular running makes me feel healthier
-Running energizes me

EXTRINSIC (YOU ARE RUNNING FOR A BENEFIT OTHER THAN RUNNING ITSELF) 
-I need to run to lose weight
-I have to run to train for my event
-I must start running to get in better shape

The difference between our motivations for running (or any exercise) is that extrinsic factors are less likely to help us stick with it in the long run. If you run because you feel you have to, ought to or should do, these are shaky grounds for a long-term running habit. If, however, you find your reasons for running are that you enjoy it, or you enjoy the way regular running makes you feel, these intrinsic factors are linked with a healthy, long-term habit. Extrinsic factors may have motivated you to begin running in the first place, but if the end goal — for example, weight loss or improved body shape — is not forthcoming quickly enough, you will soon lose that motivation.