Whether you’re new to running or have run for many years, this article can help you. Every runner has times when their motivation dips; this can be frustrating and set your progress back; you may even decide to take a break from running. When you come back to run after a break, you will notice how much it has impacted your fitness and performance. This article will help you to stay motivated; we have several tips to keep runners motivated.
Vary your running routes
Running the same route regularly is great for pushing yourself and trying to get your personal best, but it can also become boring and unappealing. One of the great things about running is you can do it almost anywhere; some of the best runs are alongside fantastic scenery, that’s a motivation in itself. If you’re finding your motivation lacking, try to search out new routes, you can make up your own or look online for recommendations. You may need to drive to get to the start of your running route, but varying things up can help you stay motivated.
Create a playlist
Music can be really helpful for motivation when you’re running; the right songs can help you push past the wall and keep going. Relying on ready-made playlists can be frustrating, especially if you need to stop often to switch to the next track. Creating your own playlist is a great way to ensure you stay motivated throughout your entire run. You will be excited to get out and listen to your favourite music once you’ve taken the time to create a playlist. In addition, you can make the playlist the right length for your run; this can help you pace yourself and measure your progress without needing a smartwatch or recording your time and distance.
Sign up for an event
Signing up for an event such as a marathon or half marathon can be a great way to stay motivated. You’ll have something to look forward to and work towards; knowing that you have a running event on the calendar can be the push you need to get out of bed and put in the extra effort to train more frequently. Choose an event that’s achievable within the time you have to train but also a challenge. If it’s too easy, it might not provide you with enough motivation to train harder.
Buy new running equipment
New running gear, whether it’s shoes, a new outfit, energy gels for running or a new pair of headphones, can be a great motivator to get you back into running. You’ll be excited to try out your new equipment, and it will hopefully make running more enjoyable and appealing again. In addition, you won’t want the money you’ve spent to go to waste which can be a great motivator for getting back into running.
Join a running club
Running with other people as a social activity can often be more enjoyable than running by yourself. Many running clubs meet up before or after their run to socialise as friends. Look for a running club that regularly meets in your area and ask if you can join. Most running clubs will have a range of beginners and more advanced runners, so they’re great for everyone. If you are a beginner, it can be a huge motivator to see other advanced runners and talk to them about their progress and how they became good at running.
Track your progress
When you see your progress over several months, it can motivate you to keep running. The same goes for when you’ve had a break from running; seeing how even a short break has set you back can stop you from doing the same thing again. There are lots of apps that can help you track your progress; fitness watches are also great for progress tracking.
These are a few tips you can use when you’re struggling to find the motivation to put on your trainers and go running. In addition to these tips, you can alter your training in different seasons; if you find your motivation dips in the winter, consider joining a gym and training on a treadmill as an alternative to running in the cold.
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