Motivation to run?

Does anyone have tips for staying motivated. I am trying to increase my mileage in training for a marathon and am having difficulty motivating myself to get on the treadmill or go outside to run. I make excuses that it's too hot or too crowded at the gym. Any pointers?

Mon. May 22, 9:46am

Funny...I was just talking about this with friends the other day! Seems like everyone has their own motivation...whether it is getting ready for a race or noticing how your legs get stronger as you go. There's also the shorter term adrenline rush or just the feeling of being in the zone...

Curious what others have to say! Also, you might like this clip we found floating around online from new balance - maybe it'll help motivate! (it's the link at the bottom of this post) Let me know what you think :)

Link

Monday, May 22, 2006, 9:53 AM

Give yourself a pep talk, and tell yourself you only need to go out for 15 minutes. If you don't want to do any more, come home. But, chances are, after 15 minutes, you'll feel energized and actually want keep going! I feel like if I am going to run long distance (45 min+) those first 15 minutes are the toughest, and I never turn back after they are done!

Monday, May 22, 2006, 10:55 AM

Whenever I feel like blowing off my run, I try to think about the great sense of accomplishment - how good I feel after I am done, how I have boosted my metabolism for the rest of the day, how great it is to step into the shower and wash away all the sweat - that is the best feeling.

Also, if you get some really great music that you find it IMPOSSIBLE not to move to, it makes it a lot easier to get started and keep going.

I also agree with the poster above who said to just do 15 minutes. This is an amazing strategy, because you almost always will keep going, and if not, then you have at least done 15 minutes! So you can't lose!

Monday, May 22, 2006, 12:58 PM

I find visualizations to work wonders. When I'm running at the gym I visualize running outdoors surrounded by trees, and I find my Ipod really helps keep me from all the little gym distractions. Maybe while your running visualize your running the marathon and crossing the finish line. Good luck!

Monday, May 22, 2006, 1:03 PM

Even when I really don't want to run, I put on my running clothes. Once you have them on, it feels really silly to take them off without at least heading out the door for 15 minutes.
I agree completely with the 15 minute idea. Often, I find I psych myself out when I think of really long runs, but if I promise myself I'll just go 10 or 15 min., I rarely turn back.

Monday, May 22, 2006, 1:53 PM

a fun list of motivational tips

Link

Monday, May 22, 2006, 1:54 PM

Nice list! And great tips overall!

I esp like the tip to give yourself permission to quit after 15 min...knowing that you'll likely keep going. If you watch the clip, you'd see the same sentiment there of wanting to quit but never giving in...I think that's something that a lot of runners feel and a pretty powerful thing to push past!

Monday, May 22, 2006, 3:13 PM

If I"m having trouble, I tell myself okay, we'll just go out for a nice walk in the pines. I end up running.

Best tip? Get a beautiful loveable high-energy dog. Maggie knows "leash," "walk," and "let's go." Saying any one of them to her is a guarantee she will pester me--bump me with her nose, get in my way, bark expressively, and bounce all over the house--until we actually leave. She knows which shoes and which clothes (several different sets) mean I'm going out for a walk, run, or ride, and is supremely insulted when I choose the bike (she is NOT bike-wise!). She also tends to collect my running shoes and pile them in her bed--the new pair and the two old ones I use for painting and gardening jobs...

Monday, May 22, 2006, 7:14 PM

i have alot of trouble motivating myself to run. i just have to have a stern talk with myself to remind myself why i run. i also tell myself that if it wasn't hard it wouldn't be worth it. i'm kind of a "no pain, no gain" type of girl. and like other posters, i think of how i feel after a run, and the fact that i never regret going running, but i often regret NOT going running.
all in all, my opinion is that it's just tough. you have to have the sheer willpower to make yourself run, because there will be countless times when you don't want to.

Tuesday, May 23, 2006, 1:42 AM

Thanks for your tips. The 15 min suggestion is a great idea, i'll try it today. I also do need to take my dog out more regularly than i have. He loves long walks.

Thanks for the support.

Tuesday, May 23, 2006, 10:26 AM

Sign up for shorter runs, like a 5 or 10K, train for them, and use them as training runs.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006, 9:26 PM

definitely the 15 minute rule is a good idea. Those first 15 are the worst, after that, I am sailing!

Thursday, May 25, 2006, 11:00 AM

Find a race you want to run then find a training schedule and stick to it. The Hal Higdon web site has great training schedules for beginners or advanced runners: www.halhigdon.com

Thursday, May 25, 2006, 11:10 PM

thanks guys, these got me out running in the park this morning. :)

Friday, May 26, 2006, 10:41 AM

At PEERtrainer we see that there are three basic "motivation types"

Step one to getting the motivation to run, is to identify how you are motivated:

http://blog.peertrainer.com/tip_of_the_day/2010/11/what-is-your-exercise-motivation-type.html">

-PEERtrainer

Thursday, March 03, 2011, 5:31 PM

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