Any tips on staying motivated?

[Lyndseylue32]

Any tips to stay motivated?

Im trying to take up running again... I've been out twice this week so far. But I feel like my motivation is going to slip.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Hi there🙂

Did you Graduate C25K?

When you started running...5 months ago??? Why did you begin..?

Have the reasons changed..what do you want from your running ..

If nothing has changed..that's your motivation...no one can give it to you.

You have to want to do it..

Check out the FAQ for new runners, even though you've run before...set your gear out the night before..plan a great route and just go.

Run...because you can!

[Grannyhugs Graduate]

Well done for starting. Are you outside or on a treadmill? Following the c25k plan?

[GoogleMe Graduate]

The only motivation you need to worry about is for the run you need to get done that day. And probably not even that. Do the run, the motivation will catch you up. You've got two runs in already this week so you are doing well.

(But regular use of this forum is a good tip, you'll feel accountable)

[Hidden]

Do you have someone that is doing it with you? When I started, I had a partner. We would meet up and complete 1 run out of the week. She kept me going on the early weeks. As the weeks progressed she stopped following the plan and I had to push myself to continue. But having someone with you helps.

Having an event to look forward to also helps. If you sign up for a 5k that will help you to keep on track also.

[Jacca Graduate]

This forum gives me motivation. Sometimes when I’m lacking I read a few posts - not just those on c25k but also b210k - they’ve been there and done it. To see what they are up to now really gives me the push I need.

Everyone is different, motivations are different. But we have this in common - we choose to do this, every time we put on running gear. We choose to improve in some small way.

Hope you find what will motivate you and you continue to run.

Hope you have a great day

😊🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[RunningMigster Graduate]

I dont know what your situation is, but for me it's easy. I dont just want to live for as long as I can, I also want to have quality of life too.

I see so many old people who are just sat all day, becoming more and more immobile. I also see lots of old people who are out running and active. Crickey, I saw Rod Stewart last night. He's still getting out there doing concerts at 74.

For me, it's a life choice. Which option do I want in old age? I have children and grandchildren and I desperately want to play an active part in their lives for as long as I can.

For me, running is going to go a long way to helping me stay fit, healthy and mobile.

The wheels have slightly fallen off my C25k program over the last couple of weeks, largely due to things outside of my control. But I'm keeping my focus on the bigger picture and I'm going to get out there again tonight, even though I'm really not in the mood to get wet and cold.

No idea at all if that helps or if you can adapt my scenario to your situation, but i hope it goes some way to being some use.

[Elfe5 Graduate]

After you have worked out why you want to run, ( lots of people have already flagged up excellent reasons so I won’t repeat them) I found a couple of things helpful when motivation is low...

1. I plan when my runs will be each week, (with some planned in flexibility) then I do “don’t think, just go” - unless ill, or weather dangerous (e.g. very icy). I never ask myself if I fancy a run because quite often it will not be a helpful answer!😂

2. I recognise that having some self discipline about my running routine is essential to help me through the less motivated times & I have never regretted making the effort- which over time helps with the discipline habit.

Good luck! 😄

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Post every run on this forum and we will keep you running..........or we will send Oldfloss round to sort you out.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

You had better believe it !

[Coddfish Graduate]

I find making it a routine helps. Certain days are running days, they have been since I started this journey 5 years ago, and I expect them to continue to be for the foreseeable future. They are, in effect, events set into concrete in my diary that I work around. It helps me to make parkrun one of my weekly runs as that is a fixed, external event I can’t be late for.

When I first started C25k, my husband asked me if I wanted him to do it with me. I declined, as I knew he would be too fast for me. But a few months later, he started running anyway, and I am so, so grateful. He is too fast for me, so we can’t run alongside each other. But we can go out at the same time, warm up together, meet at the end, perhaps stay out for a coffee, or breakfast, or lunch. It means we have a mutual commitment to uphold that schedule - it’s rare for one of us to stay home while the other goes for a run. So if you can find a regular running buddy it will help, even if you don’t actually run with them.

Lay out clothes the night before. If you are a morning runner, make up a suitable pre-run breakfast (eg Bircher muesli) and stick it in the fridge the night before. Little things that support and reinforce the routine are a great help.

Decide upon some treats based on running milestones, and stick to them. During C25k I celebrated W5R3 and graduation. I celebrated my first parkrun and subsequent parkrun milestones. And ultimately try to run for your own enjoyment. Enjoy the positive benefits it gives you, and try not to think of it as something you are having to do for negative reasons, eg to run off the meal you have just eaten. It’s much easier to make a habit out of something you see as a positive than something you regard as a punishment.

[Ouchto5kmummy Graduate]

I read something this week about how motivation comes and goes and it’s all about discipline. Sometimes you will be feeling it and other times not - but the important thing is to get out there. I’ve decided I’m fine to run in rain, but hate wind. So it’s been a struggle here too.

[Lyndseylue32]

Wow thank you everyone... Im glad im not the only one struggling with this issue. Thank you for the tips and encouragement. Beyond helpful. 💪🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Deals1 Graduate]

I've been there... Great Posts already so won't repeat... Also not sure what stage u are at. Just enjoy it 👍

[10Ked Graduate]

Look at the number of replies here! you're part of a huge family of people that run, are experiencing the same struggles or have overcome them, and are ready to support you.

Running can be boring, especially if you're doing it solo or on a treadmill. My tips: if you normally run indoors, find somewhere you feel safe and occasionally run in the fresh air / rain / sunshine, make a goal out of each run and reward yourself fantastically - bribes work! Keep in touch with this forum, we all think you're great!

[Meypom]

It’s hard especially in the cold weather and I always have to make myself go out BUT I love the feeling afterwards that I’ve done it and I’ve pushed myself that little bit more each time and I feel soooo much healthier and more mentally clear ... thinking of that is enough to keep me going ... get out there girl and go👟👟 😀