I've talked to people who've said that one of their new year's resolutions this year is live a more environmentally-friendly life. Although that resolution isn't running-related, there are ways that runners can be more environmentally-conscious. Here are some ideas for being a greener runner and helping to protect the environment:

• Find races that are environmentally-friendly. Many races throughout the country are trying to become more green by doing things such as recycling paper and plastic, offering used shoe collection, giving out organic, locally-grown foods at the finish line and donating the leftovers (rather than throwing them away). Check out the Greenteam, a group of races that are making environmentally-friendly changes to their races.
• Buy powdered sports drinks. Rather than buying individual bottles of Gatorade or other sports drinks, get bulk packages or containers of powdered sports drink mix and make your own. It's much cheaper and better for the environment, since you can make it in a reusable sports bottles.
• Don't litter. Don't throw out sports gels or bar wrappers on the ground. Hold onto those wrappers until you find a container to put it in.

Here are some more ways you can help protect the environment. If you have other ideas, please share them in the comments section!

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• How to Donate Your Used Running Shoes
• How Runners Can Save Money
• Find Local Races

Many runners cite low energy as one of the main reasons why they don't run as frequently as they'd like. Ironically, regular exercise can improve your energy level so you're more motivated to run. Running, walking, and other forms of cardiovascular exercise help release potent feel-good hormones like endorphins, which help boost energy even hours later. Even a 30-minute run can provide energy-boosting benefits. Try out some of these other suggestions to help fight those feelings of fatigue and boost your energy.

• Eat lean protein. Try to include a lean protein such as chicken, turkey, fish, or low-fat dairy at every meal. High-protein foods will help keep you from getting hungry and getting low on energy between meals.
• Try something new. Getting into a rut can zap your energy levels. Change things up by trying new foods, exercises, and seeking out new experiences to prevent boredom and keep you more alert and awake.
• Don't stay sitting. If you're sitting at a desk all day, you're bound to feel bored and sluggish, especially toward the end of the day. To stay alert, try moving around every hour, even if it's just a trip to get a glass of water or look out the window.

More:

• More Energy-Boosting Tips
• Tips for Better Sleep
• How to Avoid Burnout from Running

You may have found it fairly easy to get started with a new running routine, but sticking with it is another story. One great way to stay motivated to keep running is to reward yourself. If you've reached a mini-goal or you're stuck with your New Year's resolution for a month, treat yourself to something special. But, try not to use food as a reward. Instead, treat yourself to something non-food related that will benefit your running, like a professional massage or some new running clothes or gear.

More:

• Video: Tips for Making Exercise Resolutions Stick
• Basic Marathon Training Gear
• Staying Motivated to Run

Here's a great workout that will help to break up the monotony and beat boredom when running on the treadmill. Start your workout with an easy, 5-minute warm-up before your television show begins. Run at a moderately-hard pace while the show is on. Use the commercial breaks as your recovery period and slow it down to an easy pace. Pick it up again when your show comes back on. Keep repeating the pattern until the show is over. Not only will you get in a workout during your favorite show, but it will prevent you from noshing on snacks will watching TV.

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• Beat Treadmill Boredom
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