Need a kick in the butt? 10 Motivations to keep running
You have many reasons for losing motivation to go on a run or workout. But we can top 'em with tips, inspiring quotes, and more. Pick your fix. Repeat as necessary.
1. GO EARLY. Two-time Olympian Shayne Culpepper says that rather than putting off a run, she'll head out even earlier than usual when she's not in the mood to work out. "If I have that extra cup of coffee or I wait an extra half hour, it becomes too torturous," she says.
2. RUN FOR A REASON. Do a race for charity. Helping kids with diabetes or women with breast cancer makes it much easier to get out the door.
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3. RUN SOLO and away from the crowds on recovery days. The faster runners on popular routes will make you want to pick up the pace. Alone, you'll be able to listen to your body and reap the recovery you deserve.
4. PAY YOURSELF. Set a price for attaining a certain weekly mileage goal. When you hit it, pay up. Keep your mileage money in a jar, and once it accumulates, buy yourself that new running jacket you've been ogling.
5. MAKE A CONNECTION. www.Fitness-singles.com connects active people looking for love. Get in your run and go on a date at the same time.
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6. SALE AWAY. When online running coach (therunningcoach.com) Christine Hinton is feeling unmotivated, she heads out for what she calls a "Garage Sale Run." "I take some cash or my checkbook with me and run in search of garage sales," Hinton says. "When I find one, I stop briefly to check out the goods. I tell you, I have found some good stuff that I've picked up later with the car."
7. EVERY MILE YOU RUN burns roughly 100 calories. Think of that next six-miler as two slices of pizza.
8. BLAZE A NEW PATH. "If you do the same runs all the time, it can beat you down," says Olympian Alan Culpepper. GPS systems work great for mapping new routes. Or check out favoriterun.com or usatf.org/routes, which use Google Maps to let you plan and save routes.
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9. BE CREATIVE. If the idea of going on your regular four-miler just sinks you further into your recliner, remember that there are other ways to put in some miles--like a pickup game of soccer, flag football, or ultimate Frisbee. A soccer midfielder runs up to six miles in a regulation 90-minute game.
10. RUN THROUGH A SPRING STORM. With rain hitting you sideways and the wind whipping your face, you'll feel alive. Just make sure you have a dry pair of shoes for tomorrow.
LET US HELP. We've got more where these came from. To receive a daily motivational e-mail, go to www.runnersworld.com/motivate.
Tell us: What helps you when you're in a running or workout slump?
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