Maintaining motivation to exercise can be challenging for any runner – be they professional athletes or casual runners alike. Everyone experiences temporary dips in motivation due to stressful periods in life or simply getting bored of running on an identical route every time out.
Setting yourself goals to work toward can also help keep motivation strong. Setting a race (such as 5Ks or half marathons) or setting out an individual monthly mileage goal are effective ways of keeping you focused on what’s ahead.
Finding a Support Group Leaning on friends or family to stay motivated when running solo can be tough is an excellent way to maintain motivation and stay on the right path. Find people in your area training for similar distance races, and develop an appropriate schedule.
Watching a Movie Before Running Need some motivation or need extra push? Watching an inspiring movie may provide just the boost you need to finish your run without making excuses or giving up halfway. It will also help prepare mentally for what lies ahead and avoid making excuses!
Making Time to Run Planning out Your Gear Laying out all of your running clothes and gear the night before your run can give an extra boost of motivation when you wake up in the morning, as well as make excuses less likely – because everything needed for running has already been set aside!