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TT: Staying Motivated to Run


This week’s topic is: How Do You Maintain Your Running Motivation?

  • Sign Up for Races.

If I have a race on my schedule, I will NOT skip a run or cut short a long run.  I want to run well in a race but more importantly, I want to remain injury-free.

  • Join Running Groups.

As often as possible, I try enlist the company of a friend or two on my runs.  Running alone is no fun!! And you cannot procrastinate if someone is waiting for you!!

I am also fortunate that there are a few local running groups who post their runs.  Sometimes I do join them.

SOAR

  • Volunteer at a Race.

I always get running FOMO when I volunteer.

  • Mentor a New Runner.

New runners have that beginner runner excitement and it’s contagious.

  • Blog.

I post 3x a week. If I don’t run, I feel like a phony since I schedule my upcoming runs or races on Sunday’s blog post and then recap them the Sunday after.

And of course, these ladies:

  • Read Running-related Books and/or Magazines.

I recently read Des and Kara’s book and especially enjoyed the book below:

  • Listen to Running-related Podcasts.

It’s entertaining, makes the time go by faster and I usually learn a thing or two.

amr_logo1

just one of many that I do listen to…

  • Buy New Gear, Clothes, Shoes!

new shoes!

  • Put it on your Calendar.

It’s just as important as a work meeting or a dentist appointment. So schedule it.

  • Prep the Night Before.

If I run in the morning, my running stuff would be on the floor next to my bed. Since I run after work, I pack my running clothes the night before.  It’s so easy to skip the run when you are tired in the morning or wake up late.

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  • Plan Food Rewards for after each run.

I admit it.  Food is my reward after any run or race.

  • Pick a New Route (esp. one with Pretty Scenery).

I love to run with a view of the water… or on a path with fall foliage.

Happy Running! How do you stay motivated to run? Please share.

runner-sig

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

I’m also linking up here tomorrow:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs

18 thoughts on “TT: Staying Motivated to Run”

  1. Love all of these ideas! I like to use podcasts on my longer runs. And I agree with putting your workouts and runs on your calendar. I have a wipe off board calendar in my workout room at home and I love putting a red check when I finish my workout for the day!

    I also love the idea of a food reward! I need to incorporate this more often!

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  2. My main motivation to run is that I know I won’t feel well if I don’t do it. If I feel kind of “blah” about an upcoming run, I know I’m going to do it no matter what- but I will try something like a different route or fun podcast to get myself more excited about it. And then there’s injuries! Being injured makes you realize that any run, in any kind of weather is a privilege. Don’t take them for granted!

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  3. I can tell you are an experienced runner by your list!
    I love reading runner biographies, thanks for the tip.
    Right now, I’m reading Deena Kastor’s book, I like her mental approach to running and racing!

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