Motivation

So many of us struggle to find the motivation to lace up our running shoes and venture outside for a run. This is especially true in the winter time, when cold temperatures and the possibility of snow become reasons to "wait til the next time it's nice out" to go for that jog. There are always a million reasons not to go running. You need to find some ways to get yourself motivated to get outside and just go!

Motivation is unique, so you may need to try different things to find out what works for you. But here are some of my tips to get yourself moving!

1. Run with friends! If you are running with another person (or multiple people), you can have conversations to distract you from the actual run if you're going on a leisure run or you can have partners to keep pace with if you're running more seriously! Also, if you make plans to go for a run with a friend it will hold you more accountable to actually go for that run. You'll be less likely to skip the run or quit early if you have a buddy! Running with two friends was my main motivation when training for my marathon.

2. Follow (or make) a training log! If you are following a training schedule or you plan out when you are going to run, you are more likely to follow through. In fact, making running a part of your weekly routine will help get you into the runner mentality! Writing down how far you run or how you felt during your run can also help you track your personal progress as a runner. Then later you can look back and see how far you've come.

3. Set a goal! Setting goals is a great way to stick with running. If you pick a race in the future to work towards, such as a 5K, a half-marathon, or even a full marathon, you'll want to achieve that goal and so you'll make sure to make time for your runs! It's even better to tell people about your goal because then you'll feel more accountable to stick with it and finish.

4. Remember the health benefits! Running is an excellent form of exercise. It works all the muscles in your body so you'll become lean or maintain a lean frame. It's also a great way to strengthen your heart and lungs and it is a fantastic stress reliever! You look and feel better when running is a part of your life, and don't forget to remind yourself of that.

5. Have FUN! Above all, running should be enjoyable to you. Don't stress yourself out about running. Cut yourself some slack if you don't run as fast or as long as you meant to one day. Find friends to run with to make it a social experience. Having fun is the heart of running!