Over at The Runner’s Lounge today, Linsaycb asked the question of motivation -
What motivates you when running is the last thing you want to do?
For me, this changes pretty regularly; which, if nothing else, keeps things interesting. So, taking a look back:
My first training schedule: the RACE (half-marathon) obviously motivated me. After registering and roping in my roommate, there was no turning back. Must. Be. Able. To. Finish! That was my only goal.
My second half-m: Was in the middle of July, in Utah, at high elevation and in high temperatures. Uh, what?! My parents were joining this adventure and would be there to spectate, that motivated me.
Moving last Fall: In a new area/neighborhood, running became one way to quickly learn the streets. Yes, this came with a few hard lessons (i.e. the highway is way too close. Uh, SCARY). It also proved to be a little frustrating when training for half-m #3. How many times can you do a 3 mile loop for a long run? That gets boring FAST.
Transitioning into winter: I signed up for My First Race, again. Ya with me? It’s at the end of March. I wanted to beat my time from Round #1 (motivator!) and I wanted to take a road trip to see my best friend (Starting Line = 10 min from her house).
Changing Schedules: In March, my hours for “work” + commuting were 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Morning-Running seemed like the Only option. So, I started getting up at 4:30 a.m.- for four days a week – to get my Run in. I had two races to train for! When you wake up that early, there’s really no other option. If you don’t want to run, uh, what else are you going to do?! (the key is GET OUT OF BED ASAP. or you will sleep instead)
For the Summer: There are too many days when the weather deters you from doing anything that will make you sweat more than you do already (just. standing. there). How to beat the heat factor, and still RUN?
-Join a running group. You’ll feel a little less crazy; you’re not the only one out there!
-Grab a running / pacing / buddy (I’ve learned this works Really Well for races)
-Sign up for shorter races; they’re more fun and take a lighter toll on the bod.
-Allow some wiggle room. Not interested in running when its 100*+ and humid as @*$@!; that’s fine. Enjoy the AC.
*******
On random days where I really need something Else to do the trick -
read running blogs, browse Runner’s World, download a new song, pick a NEW ROUTE (this is a big one for me), run the Mall (Abe is always welcoming), swap Speedwork for an Easy run (or vice versa), grab some fun new gear…
Or, come up with something new entirely and then tell you peeps about it!
******
Over at The Runner’s Lounge today, Linsaycb asked the question of motivation -
What motivates you when running is the last thing you want to do?
For me, this changes pretty regularly; which, if nothing else, keeps things interesting. So, taking a look back:
My first training schedule: the RACE (half-marathon) obviously motivated me. After registering and roping in my roommate, there was no turning back. Must. Be. Able. To. Finish! That was my only goal.
My second half-m: Was in the middle of July, in Utah, at high elevation and in high temperatures. Uh, what?! My parents were joining this adventure and would be there to spectate, that motivated me.
Moving last Fall: In a new area/neighborhood, running became one way to quickly learn the streets. Yes, this came with a few hard lessons (i.e. the highway is way too close. Uh, SCARY). It also proved to be a little frustrating when training for half-m #3. How many times can you do a 3 mile loop for a long run? That gets boring FAST.
Transitioning into winter: I signed up for My First Race, again. Ya with me? It’s at the end of March. I wanted to beat my time from Round #1 (motivator!) and I wanted to take a road trip to see my best friend (Starting Line = 10 min from her house).
Changing Schedules: In March, my hours for “work” + commuting were 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Morning-Running seemed like the Only option. So, I started getting up at 4:30 a.m.- for four days a week – to get my Run in. I had two races to train for! When you wake up that early, there’s really no other option. If you don’t want to run, uh, what else are you going to do?! (the key is GET OUT OF BED ASAP. or you will sleep instead)
For the Summer: There are too many days when the weather deters you from doing anything that will make you sweat more than you do already (just. standing. there). How to beat the heat factor, and still RUN?
-Join a running group. You’ll feel a little less crazy; you’re not the only one out there!
-Grab a running / pacing / buddy (I’ve learned this works Really Well for races)
-Sign up for shorter races; they’re more fun and take a lighter toll on the bod.
-Allow some wiggle room. Not interested in running when its 100*+ and humid as @*$@!; that’s fine. Enjoy the AC.
*******
On random days where I really need something Else to do the trick -
read running blogs, browse Runner’s World, download a new song, pick a NEW ROUTE (this is a big one for me), run the Mall (Abe is always welcoming), swap Speedwork for an Easy run (or vice versa), grab some fun new gear…
Or, come up with something new entirely and then tell you peeps about it!
******