Consistency is key

There is nothing better in running than being able to train and run consistently. Everything seems to fit into place that much better, and the mental lift it gives you enables some decent times to be achieved. Getting a regular pattern of 3,4 or 5 times a week training pays off inasmuch as the body gets into a rhythm and your running becomes much less stressful. I am one of the people who, although I love running, always find it quite an effort to do so. This might be because I train at a faster pace than I should, however when consistent training is done it all seems a lot more effortless. Go for the consistency of regular running and you will certainly feel the benefits.

Try something else

Running is great, no question about it, but if all you do is run then you are missing out on so many more ways in which you can improve your fitness which in turn will help you to run better.
Cycling and swimming would seem to be the most popular cross-training activities and there are benefits in both of them for fitness. One day a week doing something other than running is good for your health and fitness.
I went hill walking with a friend yesterday and I thought I was reasonably fit because of my running but I found myself breathing a bit harder on the steepest parts of the climb. This was ok and I thoroughly enjoyed it and have determined to do it again because it gives the body a different kind of workout and helps overall in your general fitness. The views are also very good.

Losing Fitness

This is something that every runner tries to prevent. All the training has been completed, the feeling that you are at a great level of fitness is good, then something happens be it injury or illness that means no activity for a while. This then means that you are caught in a place where you cannot continue at the same level and you know that when you eventually can return to activity, your fitness level will have suffered. It is always hard to get started again after a time off. This is where willpower plays a great part. Running is very much a mental activity and if you are able to focus well it can help a great deal. The key here is to try and avoid the situation that developed in the first place. Why did you get injured, could it have been prevented, did that illness come because I did something that made me more open to bugs, viruses etc. Prevention is always better than cure. Keep the level of fitness where it is by being careful and avoiding situations that can lead to injury or illness.