It’s the beginning of March, which means Spring is just around the corner. The days are getting longer, & warmer weather is soon approaching. It also means that many well-intended New Year’s Resolutions have either tumbled long ago or may have whispers left only more quickly to be forgotten by the month’s end.
Motivation can be a real struggle when it comes to running. It doesn’t matter who you are; if you are a runner, there has been a time in your life when you may have battled with motivation for whatever reason. Remember, though, that moment when your mind is telling you to quit is often when we need it the most. If you dig deep and push through those times where you really lack the motivation, you will come out much stronger on the other side.
If you dig deep and really push through those times when you really lack motivation, you will come out so much stronger on the other side.
I still struggle with motivation sometimes, but I have a bag of tricks to utilize when I need an extra kick to get out the door!
Here are my top 5 tips to get back your running motivation:
- Hit the trails.
When I lose motivation, it’s usually after a long run on pavement or a treadmill. Running the trails brings a sense of peace and calmness to your run that will leave you craving another.
- Join a virtual Facebook running group
I am in several Facebook running groups and have “met” some of the most inspiring runners there. They come from all different backgrounds and are at all levels. If you are looking for motivation and inspiration (usually from inspiration comes motivation), after you join a Facebook running group, post a question simply asking, “Why do you run, or how did you find running?”. The stories some of these runners share will bring your eyes and heart with love and awe.
- Join your local Road Runners Club.
Your local Road Runners Club will connect you with other runners. Often, scheduled group runs and races are discounted or offered free to the members. I am consistently amazed at the runners’ dedication in my club and the sense of community I feel. Looking for your local Road Runners Club of America? Click here to find one near you: Road Runners Club of America.
- Sign up for a race.
I know that if I lack motivation, I will sign up for a race. It commits me to a training plan. This way, when my Saturday morning long run comes around, I know I HAVE to get my run in because I race in so many weeks. It gives me a goal and a target.
- Find a running buddy or running group
You will be much less likely to skip a run if you have a friend waiting for you. Doesn’t feel so good to be that person sending the “I can’t make it this morning, blah blah blah, I drank too much last night, blah blah blah” text, does it?. Nope. You will be more likely to stick to your running plan if you have a running buddy waiting for you. Don’t know where to find one? Check out your area’s local Road Runner Club or specialty running stores.
What about you? How do you keep yourself motivated through the tough patches of training?
→ Sign up for a race or find a running buddy this week!