Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)
The Topic for today is: How do you stay motivated to run?
So here’s a few things that get me out the door several times each week this year:
- FRIENDS
This is the biggest one for me. I used to have some friends to run with during the week but now I am pretty much solo. And guess what? I am running less.
Luckily on the weekends, I do have my tribe.
- CHALLENGES
There is no loss of challenges to sign up for. I chose the ONENY Challenge. I had to run or walk 620 miles between May 15 and Aug 31.
You bet that got me out of my house rain or shine.
- VIRTUAL RACES
Not my favorite thing. I have not signed up for that many. But in some cases, it has been either FOMO or that the race was cancelled with no other option.
NYC Half Marathon
- MY SEDENTARY JOB
Due to our current pandemic situation, I have been working from home since March 16.
Yup, sitting at the computer ALL DAY.
Running has kept me sane.
- NATURE
At least during the spring and summer months when the different flowers are my motivation.
I have to admit, if you asked me this question in previous years, I’m sure my answers would have been totally different. I had shorter races on the weekend or was training for big longer race. I wanted to be in shape to do well at my races. Racing always motivated me to get out and run.
I’m also linking up here:
Formerly the Running Coaches’ Corner, it’s back with new co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Fauxrunner.
Happy Running! How do YOU stay motivated to run? Is your motivation different this year? Please share.
My First 5K and More... 
Ah, now you mentioned one that I completely forgot about: being out in nature is a great motivator!
I don’t have a real live tribe as you do, Darlene, but this running blogger community serves me well as a virtual running tribe. It’s motivating to see that others have the same struggles but remain strong and push through all the challenges that come up.
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I so agree about bloggers. They are very motivating.
Thanks for being in my virtual tribe.
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The only thing certain in life is change. But we will go back to normal some day (still gonna a be a while though).
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Never in my life would have predicted this type of change. I’m ready for normal…have been for a long time. Luckily my friends and I agree…phew!
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Sitting so much during the day since WFH has been driving me nuts as well. I do try to get up every hour and walk around but that doesn’t seem like enough sometimes.
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I try too but often I do sit ALL day!!
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It’s definitely interesting how much our motivations have changed since the pandemic! I love the ideas of challenges but for me it seemed like too much pressure! I’m glad it’s worked for you! I do really miss my running friends!
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I did one but I agree I didn’t sign up for a second one…too much pressure!
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My running mojo doesn’t seem to waiver much (or maybe I’m in denial), but there are times when I just don’t feel like running excess miles. I still get out for 3-4 runs each week (when I’m actually able to run, that is). Oddly, right now I miss running, but not as much as I’d thought I would…I guess Gustavas is going above and beyond to keep me entertained LOL
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Glad the bike is working for you. I bet you’d feel worse if races were going on.
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I haven’t been a fan of the virtual races but I do love a good challenge – in fact, I need to find another one!
It’s great that you have your tribe to run with on the weekends!
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I would be running shorter if it weren’t for my friends.
I may need another challenge as well.
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Right now, sadly, my motivation is getting out oof the house and getting quiet so I can hear myself think. I am tragically over stimulated at this point, and without my walks and runs, I would go crazy. Things are different this year, and I don’t have the carrot of a goal race anymore, but I am coming back for me.
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I know. It’s hard without a race on our plate to put in the miles.
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Part of my motivation right now is to just get out of the house and get moving. Most days I choose stroller running because I can bring my son. Other workouts are too tricky to fit in while I’m watching him and working from home all day.
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I get that. Getting out of the house is great motivation.
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Wow, did you complete that ONENY challenge? That’s a lot of miles in 3 1/2 months. I’m doing the Lake Tahoe to Malibu challenge. It’s 700 miles but I have 6 months to complete it. I also did my first virtual race yesterday. Not my thing either but they sent me the bling (from the original race that got canceled) so I figured I should do it.
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I walked more of the miles than ran them.
Yup, I have done and will do the virtual one if they send me the bling.
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Now that I am back at work I am sitting way more and it is horrible. I give my students breaks so that we both get up to walk around a bit.
You’ve had some fun places for running and walking. I am glad you shared those with us.
Thank you for linking up with us!
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Sitting all day does suck.
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