There can be many reasons for regular running. A better physique, a faster time, the desire to run a marathon, or simply the joy of moving in the fresh air. But most of these goals are quite abstract and distant, and a little doubt can enter the mind, saying, "Will something happen if I skip it for once?"
But it’s important to keep it regular. That’s why I today bring you some tips on how to motivate yourself to run, even if you really don’t feel like it.
I will go tomorrow…
Winter weather can really mess with the motivation of most runners. Little sun, cold, wind, rain, darkness... the list of reasons why I'm not going out today can be very long. But if you want to get your way, then every miss counts and moves you further away from your goals - no matter how big they are.
You should enjoy running in the first place. If you get to the stage where you are just mechanically putting one foot in front of the other and even after completing a workout there is not the slightest feeling of happiness, then it is worth considering whether to swap running for another sport and thus crash your boring routine.
What makes you go out
But if running is the number one sport, then a little nudge is usually all it takes to get up from the heated chair, put on your shoes and happily set off to conquer the kilometres regardless of the weather.
The right motivation can be your favourite music. Why not enjoy a new album by your favourite band while you run, which you haven't had time to listen to from start to finish? The spoken word is also becoming increasingly popular, led by interesting podcasts. A running workout is a perfect fit for listening to a new episode of your favourite podcast. The desire to listen to something new (be it music or conversation) can be a great motivator to get out and about after all. But don't forget the basics of safety when you're wearing headphones on the run.
If you're one of those performance-oriented, ambitious runners, then you can get a ticking calendar at home that will give you a nice visual of how many days there are left until your dream race.
Social media can be another great help. Whether it's Facebook, Instagram, or Strava, a well-run workout will always guarantee positive interaction from those around you. Respect or even admiration can be an unexpectedly powerful motivator. Not to mention the rivalry between friends.
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