I'm training for a half-marathon.....need tips & motivation!?

Question

I've been training for about 3 months and just the past couple weeks I've really slacked. I think I've become slightly burnt out....also my friend that got me into it stopped training because an important football game is on the same day as the race!! GRR...I just need any tips anyone here uses when they need to get back into it! I need some serious motivation!! I don't want to give up now!!! plus my knees hurt sometimes...i think that might be another excuse I'm using to not go running! Thanks

Answer 1

To boost motivation, try:
a) enter a 5k race ... even if it costs $40. Run fast, but enjoy the crowds ... if you can, invite a friend/family member to watch you;
b) buy stuff ... new shoes ... new shirt/shorts ... new CD of running music
c) next Saturday/Sunday take the time to drive to the most beautiful trail-running area and do a good long run on trails. Maybe go with a friend ... or meet up with a friend after and gorge on a big brunch afterwards.
d) go to youtube and search for "olympic marathon" or "olympic 10k run race" and just watch those dudes go hard
e) spend 20 minutes on letsrun.com reading about running and getting immersed in it.
f) pre-buy a massage for the afternoon after your next long run, do you can run it knowing you'll be rewarded after.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Although nowhere near the same accomplishment, I had a similar goal last year. I ran in a 5K and I succeeded. It was very difficult but I did not train very hard. My drive was to be able to prove that we do not need to rely on carbohydrates for athletic activity. My success was in accomplishing that goal, not winning. Just for the record, my knees hurt. I have learned that joint pounding exercises are not really a good idea in the long run. But, that wouldn't stop me, if it were something I wanted to do.

On days that I didn't feel like running, I walked. You do not have to run every day to keep your muscles conditioned. If you don't feel like doing any of that, go swimming. Jump rope for 10 to twenty minutes.Honestly, you came to far to give up= with or without a running buddy, you have to be your own best partner in achieving your goal. Your friend should even continue to train even if he/she is not going to participate. They're just using that game as an excuse to stop training.

I am sure that the marathon event has a web-site that can link you to other particiapants that you can hook-up with. You can easily find a new running buddy...just don't stop.

Answer 3

Take a week off! Sounds like you need it. Nothing bad will happen and you're knees will feel better and your motivation will be restoked. Just don't quit altogether on me!

A world famous trainer I learned from used to make his students take one week off after every four weeks of training with him. It reinvigorated them.

Rest is just as important as working out if you are really applying yourself. Don't worry about losing your edge. You'll snap right back.

Good luck!

Answer 4

set yourslef up a rewards gadget. think of of a cope with for your self (something you like doing, something you opt to eat, something you opt to computer screen) and for each hour of artwork you do, you get to take a 10 minute smash to do/have your cope with. you will be able to amplify treats for longer time (ie in case you learn 4 hours rapidly, then you definately get to bypass and purchase that cool headscarf youver been wanting, get to computer screen that dvd you picked up the different day, get to bypass to that club for a dance day after today night) etc small little bit of advice, do not make weed your advantages, very detrimentle to the strudy difficulty

Answer 5

hey, up until 2 weeks ago i had shin splints and it hurt really bad. my motivation was to beat that, which i did and now even though it hurts mildly im passing everyone. i like to feel im in control and i regret if i ever procrastinated coz of the bad leg!! good luck!!!!

Answer 6

take a look at the training tips on http://www.phidippides.co.uk/Training.html