It's time for Take it and Run Thursday - lindsay style! Today Lindsay asks:
What do you do to get yourself motivated to run when it feels like it's the last thing you want to do?
• I upload each and every run on Runner+ and RunSaturday. I analyse the data, keep track of weekly/monthly totals and connect with other friends on both sites. I have a few friends who leave a comment on every single run so just knowing that they will be checking up on me is sometimes enough to get me out the door.
• I remind myself often how much I missed running when I was laid up for 4 weeks earlier this year with a separated shoulder.
• Because I trained somewhat 'minimally' for my first marathon last year, I have had many opportunities to set new weekly and monthly mileage milestones. Seeing those numbers grow and grow is a big motivator!
• I remind myself how badly I want marathon redemption.
• I joined the marathon team at my local running store this year. We run together 2-3 times every week with various post-run social events as well.
• Our clinic instructor for the group mentioned above has more or less become my running coach. He keeps track of my progress and asks for reports on all key workouts, then offers feedback and advice moving forward. Reporting to someone regularly makes it much less tempting to skip/modify a run.
How do you stay motivated? Drop by the Runners' Lounge to play along.
Happy Thursday (almost Friday)!
(Today is the last day to enter my Nuun Giveaway. Don't miss out!)
18 comments:
definitely going to join a marathon clinic next time around!!
definitely going to join a marathon clinic next time around!!
Those are all good techniques! Adding new music definitely helps me!
i love milestones!!! i totally agree- tracking makes a huge difference in motivation, keeps you going for yourself :) you had a separated shoulder?! OWCH!
Marathon redemption. I've been there before and it is a powerful motivator.
Great motivating tips!
isn't having a coach fun! You have been doing great work and improving so much. I have really enjoyed watching your running from afar and reading your posts makes me miss running!
Great tips! I would love to have a coach. Perhaps then he could sit at the track and yell at me to keep moving. :)
those are great tips!! I want to join a team!!
Love that. Definitely remind yourself how much you missed running! I miss it so much, stupid knee!
ahh great tips marlene! thanks for sharing and participating :) i love the "remembering how much you missed it when injured" point especially. we definitely take our good, running health for granted some times. well, i know i do anyway. thanks again!
I so wish my running schedule worked with running with a group...
Good tips.
MCM Mama
It sounds like you have a GREAT team that you run with - I love reading about your long runs / speed workouts etc. I think you've done AMAZING with your marathon training - I'm always inspired when I come over here to read about what you've been up to. Rarely do you have a "bad" run, and you're always getting creative. Honestly think your marathon is going to be awesome for you this time around!
I wish I had a marathon clinic to join!
Some days, I just guilt myself into heading out, reminding myself how annoyed I'd be the rest of the day if I didn't get the run done.
Great motivating techniques!
You are my motivation Marlene. If Marlene can do it, so can I!! ;)
awesome post :) i have a feeling you are going to blow your first marathon out of the water!!
Wow! That's practically foolproof. Good for you, Marlene. Your marathon won't know what hit it.
Post a Comment