One of the most frequent questions I get asked as a runner and a running coach is how someone can get and stay motivated to run. It’s easier to stay in your warm bed and get some extra sleep than it is to get up and go exercise, especially if running hasn’t become a habit for you yet. So, today I’m sharing some of the best tips and advice I’ve found for running motivation.
101 Kicks in the Butt via Runner’s World – 101 things that you can try to keep yourself motivated, including starting a running blog. Today I’d add starting a running-based social media account to this list, like an Instagram account where you share your weekly runs and workouts.
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8 Tips for Running When You Don’t Feel Like It via Beth at Shut Up And Run – Eight really great suggestions for ways that you can get out the door and run, including my favorite, the aptly suggested “shut up and run.”
19 Ways to Stoke Your Running Motivation via Trail Runner Magazine – Love the suggestion to try a new running route. Sometimes a change of scenery can help get you motivated to get out there.
3 Mental Tricks to Overcome Any Running Hurdle via Fitness – I completely agree with the suggestion to get out and race. It doesn’t matter if you’re slow, the camaraderie and excitement of running a race will make you want to train for and run more races.
Strategies to Keep Motivated from Elite Runners via Active – I’ve used this trick, too–set out everything the night before and do everything you can to take the thinking out of going for a run so you’ll just get up and go. This is really key if you want to start running in the morning.
What To Do When Your Running Motivation Gets Low via Janae at Hungry Runner Girl – Love the tip about remembering why you run. We all run for a reason, whether it’s getting healthy after a health scare or because it’s a great form of stress relief. My tip: Take time to write out a list of all the reasons why you love running or why you wanted to become a runner. Come back to that list when you need more motivation.
6 Ways to Recapture Your Running Motivation via Run Haven – Love the idea of starting small. Go out and run for 10 minutes. If you feel like running longer, go longer. Sometimes just telling ourselves that we don’t have to go out for an epic long run or cover a certain distance is enough motivation to get out the door.
My own tip: create a Pinterest board or an actual collage or bulletin board with motivational quotes and running quotes. Look at the board when you don’t want to go on the run. Remind yourself why you’re running.
Looking for some great running motivational quotes? Here are a few resources:
The Best Running Motivation Ever via Women’s Health
17 Proven Motivations to Get You Running via Livestrong
Motivational Posters for Runners via Runner’s World
Veteran runners: What tips and tricks do you use to stay motivated?
What’s your favorite running quote?
Do you struggle with staying motivated to run? Any specific problems?
Great list! I am cooling it on the running for a little bit after just running this half, but when I need to get back into it I will definitely need these!
Thanks, Erin! Taking a break from running can be a great idea. I took one after running a marathon last year and it really helped me refresh mentally.
My favorite way of staying motivated is by signing up for races throughout the year. If I sign up for that 30K race in March, it keeps me running through the winter no matter how miserable the weather is. I also like Strava.com. I upload my runs and keep tabs on my friends’ runs. Knowing that they got out and ran makes me figure that if they did it, I can do it too. Great list of links. 🙂
I totally agree–having a race coming up is great motivation. I haven’t heard of Strava–I’ll have to check it out!
Nice tips!! I like reading little quotes or listening to some upbeat music to get myself ready 🙂
Thanks, Jess! Yes, music definitely helps! I have a special song I listen to before all of my races to get me pumped up. Music can really help your mood and motivation!
Sometimes I can find the balance, other times I can’t.
One thing I remember, especially in training, is that “done is better than good”. Not every run will be awesome, so sometimes just finishing it shold be a goal.
Yes, absolutely. I’ve had some terrible runs before, especially when I feel like I need to hit a certain pace when I’m training for a time goal. But you’re absolutely right, sometimes it’s better to just get a run done.
AWESOME links, m’lady!
Thank you so much, Tiffany! 🙂
Great resources! To stay motivated, I look at old pictures of myself to remind me of how far I’ve come. Also, running with a group is such a great thing. Knowing they are expecting me (especially since I’m a group leader) makes me get moving on those harder to get out of bed mornings.
Thanks, Shannon! Love the idea of using photos as motivation. I’m sure you could look at past race times in a similar way. Seeing progress is incredibly motivating!
Sometimes, before a random run, I get overwhelmed by my overall running goals and it gets me way more nervous than I need to be that day (for example, TODAY!). I just have to remember that it’s one day at a time and I’m BUILDING towards a goal…I don’t have to be at my goal today!
I’ve definitely been there, especially if I have a plan to hit a certain pace for a run. Best of luck to you with taking things one step at a time and reaching your goal!
Great list!! I am on a little break right now after running my half, but I will need these when I start back up. I am book marking this post!
Thanks, Amy! Glad you found it helpful! 🙂
Great round up.
Thanks, Abby!
I recently started running with a friend. Running with someone who holds you accountable is a big motivator!
Yes, definitely! You feel a lot worse skipping a run when someone is counting on you.
Great list! One of my favorites is to register for a race. Knowing that it’s out there on the calendar really keeps me on track. I don’t do as well without a goal.
I’m right there with ya. Having something to work toward definitely helps with motivation.