AudienceOfOne07 said:
Hi there. I am asking you expert runners out there for some motivation. What keeps you going? I see it as more of a chore than a pastime. I played all sorts of team sports in high school and was in fairly good shape, but I've never been a very avid runner. I've decided that with the new year I am going to try new things. So, in February I plan to run in my first 5k. Anyways, I am asking for advice for motivation and training etc. I tend to get into working out and running but get bored with it so I lose my determination. Any suggestions?
I sometimes wonder if its truly motivation that keeps one coming back to running or just an addiction.
Motivation is most important in getting started, but give it two weeks running five days a week, and that "runners' high" will kick in and you'll feel lazy and sluggish that first time you skip a day.
However, even after you're out there huffing it on your feet, sometimes it just gets plain ole boring. Here's a few tips that may or may not help, but have surely kept me going:
1.
Scenery. A treadmill can get devastatingly boring just as running around a city block or track can. As for myself, I go to a small, wooded lake close by my home when I can. A twisting and winding road goes around the lake and with varying grades of slope. This breaks the monotony of running straight and flat as well as providing a beautiful scene of ducks playing in the lake and the sound of the wind blowing in the tees above. Setting is a key motivational point for me.
2.
The "inner Drill Instructor." Some days I just really feel "blah" and as soon as I get started running, I'm ready to quit. That's when I talk to myself like a drill instructor would. I'll yell at myself while calling myself a host of inventive names just to perk myself up. Now unless you don't mind the odd looks of passerby's, and other runners giving you a wide berth, you might want to coach yourself just in your mind.
(and I only do this when I'm home alone on the treadmill
)
3.
Out of bed and on your feet. Whenever I've taken a long break from running, I've always had a hard time starting back again. Starting is the worst part I think. That's when motivation is key. What worked best for me was making it the first thing I did when I got out of bed. Too many times I'd wait and eat breakfast, check the news or wait till after work.... and by then I'd found many more excuses to keep me from running that day. In getting started, I think its essential to make it your first duty of the day. At least that's what it took for me.
4.
Music. Whether at the gym, at home on the treadmill or outside, music goes a long way in providing you a distraction from the boredom, as well as really get you pumped up and motivated if its a great song.
If you don't have one, I'd recommend an MP3 player and headphones. They are small and don't get in your way while running.
5.
Projecting the ideal you. Okay, this may just be corny, and its different strokes for different folks, but when I'm feeling like I'm just too exhausted and can't take another step, I project an image of the "ideal me" ahead of me. I see the person I'm trying to become or maintain running ahead of me, leading me on. Like I said, a lil' corny sounding, but it works for me anyway.
6.
Good shoes! This really has nothing to do with motivation, but I can't stress enough how important GOOD running shoes are! After all, nothing will turn you off from running faster than nasty shin-splints and aches and pain. Spare no expense in getting very comfortable and supportive shoes! And if you run outdoors, I'd also recommend running on the road rather than sidewalks. Asphalt seems to absorb the impact of your feet much better than concrete sidewalks. Just watch out for cars.
Anyway, I hope that might help ya.
Good luck to you and let us know how you're doing!
