You know what? I get it, some days you're an energizer bunny and others you can't be bothered. Does not matter you are a seasoned-pro athlete or a beginner - just trying to get started and your feet out the door can be difficult. There are and will be plenty of those days where you just don’t feel like doing anything, and nonetheless running.... Training or running can be tough if you are not sure how to motivate yourself. And yes sometimes life gets in the way, or the weather gets ugly, and the temptation to Netflix and Chill instead of lacing up and heading outside can be stronger than your will to work-out.
When I was in university running for the cross country team 5-6am workouts somehow became a thing, and trust me... you need a very big shovel to dig for motivation to go for a 8 mile run that early in the morning. Running can be less thinking and more doing sometimes. My best advice would be instead of sitting around and waiting for when the weather is "perfect" or for when you feel like going for a run, just go, even when you don’t feel like running.
Here are five ways to motivate yourself to get out the door and CRUSH your run:
1) Just Go
Very straight forward and I know not the best advice— but it’s that simple. Don’t give yourself a choice! Don’t let yourself think about not running or any excuses to hold you back. Decide you’re going to run, map out the route, begin stretching and commit to it.
2) Creating or Finding A Running Schedule That Fits Into Your Day
It is very easy to neglect physical activity when you've had a busy, long or stressful day at work. But often running can be a good stress-reliever to get your mind off that big project or annoying colleague at work. Life gets busy - we get that, but including your run or training into your daily schedule will help your training become more of a routine = making it easier to find time go out running.
3) Treat Yo-self!
I see you...eyeing those chocolate double stuffed Oreos when you pass them in the grocery store. Everyone has different ways of rewarding theirselves — maybe it’s splurging on a too-expensive juice, maybe it’s buying a few donuts on your way home (probably just me...), or maybe it’s letting yourself splurge on those new kicks or top you’ve been eying on your trip home from work. Anyways, creating a reward or treat system to honour your hard-work after you've crushed your run can also be a great way to motivate yourself to go for one.
4) New Running Shirt, Who Dis?
I know everyone has this feeling but isn't there is something special about wearing brand-spanking-new gear when you workout that makes you feel super good while doing it. If you bought some awesome new running tights, don’t you just want to wear them ASAP? Whether it’s a new pair of running shoes, new top, or just a really great fitting pair of shorts - it really makes you feel powerful, put it on and take it for a test run. You know - Look good, Feel good!
5) Run With Friends or a Group
Sometimes we need to get by with a little help from our friends, I understand that. Running with a group turns working out into more of a fun social activity. I find with a social atmosphere you’ll start looking forward to your workouts — even if it’s mostly for the alcoholic beverages you'll share with your new friends after the run.