Staying Motivated to Run

I have almost always been motivated to run. The simple fact of knowing how agonizing it is to take a break and then get back into running motivates me to run. However, you probably can’t always call it running. The ground may be moving underneath my feet, but I’m not sure if you can call it running.

Here are a few tips if you have taken a break from running and are just finding it too tough to hit the road.

1. Schedule Your Run or make a date with yourself to run. Write those days down on the calendar and the time frame, so that nothing else get’s scheduled in place of your run. Make it a priority above all else. I love to run first thing in the morning. When I arrive back from my run, I shower, have my coffee and start my day. Nothing can replace the euphoric or invigorating feeling that gives me. When I’m struggling to get going on my run, I think of how great I’m going to feel when it’s done.
2. Find a running partner or easier yet, join a running group in your community. Running groups aren’t hard to find. I live in a small community that has three running groups. They are either free or nominal costs. Running groups are welcoming and offer a healthy social outlet.
3. Sign up for a race - personally this works well for me. As I mentioned, I’m usually motivated to get my running shoes on and get out for a “so-called” run. But signing up for a race really motivates me to train, which ultimately makes my running easier and feel much better.
4. Set goals that are achievable - this could mean signing up for a race, or it could mean that you are going to set a goal to run “??” times this week for “??” minutes on each run. Or, you may want to challenge yourself further by incorporating speed bursts or fartleks into your run. It could be by the clock or from telephone pole to telephone pole. You be the judge.

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