Oh motivation. You’re killing me. Ok, seriously the past couple weeks have been tough.
I love taking time to focus on speed, but getting in the mental mind set to do 3 workouts a week, two of which are before the sun comes up, has been a struggle lately.
I think I’m also itching to start marathon training. I still have a little over a month before that happens, so I’m trying to be patient and do what I need to do so I can be healthy when that day comes.
As runners, we all go through highs and lows when it comes to motivation. Just like in the beginning of a training cycle when we are excited and ready to go. Followed by exhaustion and praying for a break during the last month. It happens.
There is no real secret to keeping motivation alive. There are tips and tricks that help, but it comes down to sometimes just to putting your shoes on and getting out the door, no matter how hard it may seem.
That’s been my motto for the last week or so – just get it done.
Sunday I didn’t want to do a workout. We slept for almost 10 hours (that is unheard of) and got up to cool weather, rain and wind. Not ideal for a workout. I wanted nothing more than to lay around the house and get ready for the week ahead; however I knew I needed to get it done.
I headed out to a loop not far from the house. I got out of my car and immediately started my warm up. No standing around, not thinking about what was to come, I just did it.
My workout for Sunday was:
Warm up (6 minutes)
2 x 4 minutes, 5 minutes and 6 minutes hard effort (with half recovery – 2, 2.5, and 3 minutes)
6 minute recovery between sets
Cool down (a little over a mile)
I did this workout solely off of effort. I think I averaged somewhere between a 6:50-7:05 pace for most of them though I was definitely slowing down by the end. It was tough, but at the end I was thankful I got it done.
That’s the thing about running, you never regret it. Even if you literally have to drag yourself pouting and screaming out to get it done in the end it’s always worth it.
Yes, I’m pretty sure there was a good amount of pouting going on Sunday.
There are a few other things I do to help give myself some motivation:
- Instagram – I love looking at the Instagram of some super awesome runners to get motivation. If they can get out there and do it, so can I! Social media can be such a great tool!
- Focus on Goals – I know what I want, and I know that I’m not there yet. I often just need to remind myself of my goals and that I have to do what it takes to get there if I want it.
- Remember the “Feeling” – There is no better feeling than crossing that finish line and meeting your goals. It doesn’t always happen, but remembering how good it feels when your hard work pays off is motivating.
- Relax – While it is hard to really relax during workouts, using that time for me first thing in the morning to just relax and get ready for the day ahead.
- Music – I don’t run with music in the morning, but on the weekends having an extra boost of motivation from music can usually help me get out the door.
(source)
Motivation is tricky and some days it simply requires dragging yourself out the door. I still kick and scream to this day, but in the end a run is always worth it.
How do you boost your motivation?
What is the hardest workout for you to get yourself out the door for? During marathon training, it was always my tempo runs. I always dreaded them the most but they were also the most rewarding!
Last week was a tough/setback week for me in many respects. My allergies kicked up and I couldn’t complete the scheduled workouts. It did not make me happy, but I ended up on my friend the Treadmill and got in a few runs, even if they were not per the schedule. Right now – what’s keeping me going and I remember on those bad days – is that I could not comfortably run 3 miles or even probably a mile for almost the previous three years due to health issues. So – I am running now and I am happy with it, even if it means not hitting the scheduled paces, ignoring my watch, and switching up when I do my workouts to avoid the allergies and the rain. I am not sure if that helps, but I will never take being able to run for granted again and, I hope, to do it for the rest of my life.
I ran one day last week after work and the pollen kicked my butt!! It was awful, but it doesn’t seem to bother me in the morning thankfully!
Hope this week goes better for you 🙂
It definitely is! Last week, well, it was just a tough week all around and this week is going so much better.
Mixing in a few short races (5k and 10k) during any training cycle helps me a lot… the social aspect of it, the excitement of the race and just checking in on my progress are all motivators for me (helps me know if I am running my speed work at the right pace too).
Also, I have been running on the weekends with a running club in the area. I have met some really nice people and it helps on those long runs to have someone to chat with. Getting me up out of bed and out to meet the group keeps me from procrastinating the run and the time during the run seems to fly by compared to doing a 2+ hour run solo.
Lastly, during the past winter months I had some aches and pains pop up. Taking a few days off to let them heal also increased my motivation to get out and run again. A break every now and then won’t hurt your fitness level but it does help with increased motivation and fresh legs.
~ Run with joy!
I have been toying with the idea of doing some shorter local races here. I may have to add them to my calendar soon!
I wish we had a good running group in this area! I really would love someone to run with. Thankfully on the weekends my “long” run right now is only 10-12 miles tops so nothing too long, but during marathon training I would love to have someone out there with me!
Same 😉 The tempo run is what I dreaded the most during marathon training but, in the end, I think it’s what really helped me. Honestly, my goals is what helps me staying motivated. Especially when it comes to the marathon, I know there is no way around: either you train for it properly or you are not going to meet your time. Being scared about missing my time usually is enough motivation for me 😉 Hang in there and you’ll be able to start your next marathon training cycle stronger than ever!
Lora over at Crazy Running Girl posted a great interview with “Fast Cas”.
One of the points we liked most was, “Staying Motivated and enjoying it”!
Mile 22, as a company of people whom are in the running, sporting, and racing industry; we find the importance of staying motivated, mission critical.
We help our team members hone in on that “healthy movement” that they find joy in instead of forcing them into “running” per say. As for some of our team members “running” doesn’t interest them. But they find joy in dancing, power walking or hiking.
We also find it helps to do their healthy movement in community and friendship. It is easier to stay motivated when you have a partner to pull you out of the lows and encourage you until the self-motivation returns!
Jason
Mile 22 Bags – Carry Your Achievements with You!