How I Keep Motivated

One of the more common questions I hear is how do you stay motivated to keep on a running schedule? First of all, running isn’t for everyone. Some people think it’s boring and difficult. I don’t think it is boring and I really like how I feel after I’m done. It can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. There are times that getting my run done can be downright laborious. I need things that help keep me on track just like everyone else. Here are my top 9 things to help keep me motivated to go out and get those miles in!

9. Having some time to myself

Running is a good way for me to have a little alone time when I need it. When I’m at work, I am usually surrounded by people and am needing to make big decisions that can affect people’s lives. It can be mentally exhausting. Going for a run after a long shift is a way that I am able to let it all go and just focus on my own thoughts. It’s like a form of meditation for me. I look forward to the time I have to just concentrate on myself.

8. Keeping track on a calendar

I find that keeping a calendar with the miles written down that I have to complete helps me to keep on task. I like knowing what is coming up and it helps me mentally prepare and to keep my day on schedule. I also like to be able to cross the run off of the calendar for the day, like I have accomplished a task.

7. Making a new running playlist

Making a new playlist on my phone is a really fun way to keep motivated. I can get bored with old playlists and there is always some new music out that I think would be fun to run to. I know there are songs I look forward to hearing because they have a great beat to run to or are super motivating!

6. Buying new running gear

I love getting some new clothes and purchasing clothes to run in is no exception! I absolutely love running in a new tank top, or jacket. Running is also a great excuse to buy new running shoes! Depending on how often and far you run, you need to get new shoes. There is a science behind all of that which I won’t be getting into on this list, I just make sure I have some fresh shoes which fit for my stride. I also love to run in the shirts or visors I have from previous races. It makes me feel like a legit runner! The way I see it, if we are outside, or inside, and are running, we are runners. You don’t have to win races or be ultra competitive to be a runner!

5. Listening to motivational speeches

I’ve also listened to motivational speeches while running. This is great for running on a treadmill. I have gotten so pumped up listening to some great speaker tell me that there is nothing holding me back. For me, motivational speeches work so well that I actually have an app that wakes me up to these kind of talks. That really gets me out of bed early and ready to go to the gym or out to run.

4. Run with a friend or running group

Find a running partner or group to run with. If you are part of a group that is waiting for you, you are more likely to show up. Especially if you have paid to be part of that group. Running with a friend helps keep you accountable, and makes running more social which can be helpful for those people who enjoy the social part of working out.

3. Having someone or something to keep me accountable

I find it very helpful to have someone I answer to about if I ran or not. This type of motivation works for more than just running. Teachers, coaches, bosses, and all sorts of people use this type of motivation. It works for running just as well. If I tell someone I am going to run a certain distance, it makes me really want to follow through. Even me posting online that I will be running is effective for me. In fact, making this blog was one way I decided to keep myself accountable to my goal of finishing all 50 half-marathons in 50 states!

2. Know you are going to burn calories

Running helps me to get in shape! I know I can burn a lot of calories while I’m out there training. It is one of the most effective ways to burn calories. There are plenty of different types of heart rate monitors which can help you keep track of the calories and effectiveness of your run. This really helps me when I am trying to lose a few pounds. I know that in a shorter amount of time, I can be very effective at burning through some excess carbohydrates.

1. Sign up for a race

Signing up for a race and having a target date to be ready by in my mind is the number one thing that helps keep me motivated to run. Especially if I am going to travel to someplace for the race. I pay for the event well ahead of time and make sure that I look up a training schedule which gives me plenty of time to prepare for the race. This is definitely my biggest motivator.

Many different people have ways to keep them motivated to run. In fact, as I was writing this list, I kept thinking of more things to add. I decided to stop at 9. Why you ask? Because everyone writes top 10 lists. Not this girl! What are some of the things that help keep you motivated to run. Please share, maybe it’ll help keep me motivated too!