Motivation issues?

Question

What do you do to motivate you to get out there and get your run in everyday? I have a really hard time with it.

Answer 1

'After' you've had a great run, think about how great you feel! You come home, sit down and take a deep breath knowing that you just kicked butt, burned lots of calories and now can indulge in a nice big healthy meal! Your body feels awesome and you feel more upbeat for the rest of the day.

Even on the worst days, running can make things better. It gives you time to yourself, time to relax- and I do mean that. Just because you're out running doesn't mean you have to kill yourself! Go out for a jog just to get a breath of fresh air! My best runs have been in the freezing cold and rain. I'm the only one out there and there's this awesome sense of freedom and power.

If you have an ipod, download some new music and go run to that! Try out new tempos to get your pace up or heck, if you're not in the greatest mood, I've put on sad slow music before just to get out, run, and I've sung along AS I ran cleansing out my system.

Running can give you a jump start on days you're feeling slow. It gives you a release when you're stressed and a place to go when you need to let yourself loose.

Just get out the door- the rest will take care of itself. No matter what the weather, outdoor running is the best even on the worst days. And even on your crappiest runs, at least you still ran and THAT is still a positive thing!!!!

Answer 2

There's lots of things you can do! If you have a friend you could run with, that's a great way to stay motivated. It's always easier to go at something when you aren't alone. But perhaps you're like me, and your friends don't run, so you have to motivate yourself. It sounds like self-motivation isn't your thing, but just think about what you want. What you want is to be in great shape or get faster, right? Well, it won't happen if you just sit inside all day, will it? Another great thing you can do to make your run more fun is to listen to music. If you have an Ipod, run with it. Trust me, the run goes by so much faster, and you don't have to focus on being tired if you have some good tunes to listen to! The fact that you asked this question shows that you care, and if you care, then you can motivate yourself. Just push yourself and do it! :)

Answer 3

I have a few ways.

I sign up for a race , Then I know I have to get out the door.

I keep a training log , then you can see when you are slacking

I once heard that you only remember the last 5 mins of you previous run . So if you do not cool down for 5 mins or so then the next time you go out the door you remember how knackered you were on the last run. If you have cooled down , you remember feeling slightly better at the end of the run.

read Ultramarathonman by Dean Karnaze , If he can run hundreds of miles in a shot , I am sure I can pop out for a 5k with much problem

Answer 4

Alternate hard days and easy days, that prevents overtraining. Try to enter a race once a month to remind you why you are doing what you are doing. Feel the delight of accomplishment after a hard workout.

Here's some quotes to stay motivated:
http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Running

My favorite:

There are as many reasons for running as there are days in the year, years in my life. But mostly I run because I am an animal and a child, an artist and a saint. So, too, are you. Find your own play, your own self-renewing compulsion, and you will become the person you are meant to be.
-George Sheehan


P.S. You must watch Without Limits, the movie that has changed my life.

Stay motivated! You can do it!

Answer 5

I dislike running very much, but for some reason, something keeps me running. I think the main thing is that I am very competitive and hate losing to people I know I can beat, so I work my butt off till I can beat them. Also, if you've ever read PRE (it's a book on the life of Steve Prefontaine) it is very motivating and to read about what he went throough just to be the best.... You have to read it.

Answer 6

If your having troubles your thinking to much about it. It's not something you can force yourself to do.

Learn how to enjoy your runs. while your running make plans in your head, do puzzles, the best thing to do is get a running partner. The extra person will provide you with motivation.

Answer 7

Start out with smaller ambitions. Then, you realize whilst you accomplish it, you are going to believe a way of pride. Next, begin at the subsequent small target. Award your self for those accomplishments. Remember, skills is strong - finding out that new language might be a nice improvement. Winning a competition will likely be an notable award! Good Luck and begin sluggish :)

Answer 8

Not everyone can motivate themselves. And people who run by themselves often get into ruts.

Best thing is to join a running group. It is harder to let down other people, and they will push you more.

If you have to run by yourself, make sure you add variety. Running the same route can be very boring.

Answer 9

I recently went through a similar 'bout' and signed myself up for a Spring race...now I'm less likely to skip a run, because I'm in training. Set a goal...a race...a self-produced running goal...etc... This will help pull you through the low times. Good luck!

- Mike

Answer 10

what i have done is read some really inspirational books about some really good runners like Prefontaine, Roger Bannister, and John landy. the name of some books that i have read are PRE, and the Four Minute Mile. try it out and good luck.