** Get Motivated to Run (again…) **
Find yourself again and find your way back to running. We lost friends, social groups, running routes and races for so long that many simply packed it in. Many are afraid to race, don’t want to race and that is understandable.
Many have lost the social outlet, or the time they used to run has been taken up with something else. Many have lost fitness and don’t know how to start again or dread the thought of it.
Few thoughts..
Why are you doing this and remind yourself of this on regular basis.
If you don't know why you are doing it, you are likely to give up too soon. You may want to lose weight, get healthy, fresh air, fight depression, get some head-space. Get out of the house and be sociable. Go back to where you once were. Be an example to your children.
No matter what the reason is, make sure you know why you want to run. Believe in yourself and just get out there again.
You could talk to God, go banging on his door
You can throw your hands up, you can beat the clock
You can move a mountain, you can break rocks 🎙
It is much easier to stay motivated if you have a goal. Sign up for a race. If you are running already set a target finishing time. It can be well behind where you were 3 years ago but no-one cares. It is you today in the present moment and that is who you are. Old glories are fine and can be used as a mark of your potential once your running career resumes in a proper fashion.
Don't get obsessed with a time and lose the love of the run and maybe those around you. You might need them in the future.
If you are training for a Marathon remind yourself why you are really doing it before the hard miles kick in.
Many beginners or those returning to running make the same mistake. They just put on their shoes and try to run for as long as they can. In five minutes or less, they run out of breath, switch to walking and swear not to do it again. Follow a plan
Same applies to experienced runners who have a goal. Get a plan, make a plan and stick to it
Write everything down—record not only time and distance but also your feelings and emotions. It does help to look back and see how much you have progressed.
Try to learn as much as you can about running. Read websites and blogs, participate in forums. It will keep you interested, give you useful information, and make you feel part of the running community. Check out books and movies about runners. They can be fun motivational tools. If you are finding it hard trust me someone will have documented a similar struggle somewhere. We are runners, we moan…!
Training might be tough at times but it doesn't mean hard work leaves no room for a little treat. Celebrate your successes in training and racing. This doesn't necessarily mean throwing a pizza party or indulging in sweets and fast food. Buy something that will help you with your new hobby: a new running shirt, a pair of new shoes, a water bottle or a runner's watch.
We all prefer to do things we enjoy. If you like something, you keep doing it. Every time you run, you learn something new about yourself, and this is priceless.
It may sound silly, but it works. Smile when you run—it tells your brain you are happy, and you should be. Think about all those people who would love to do what you are doing. As your body gets stronger, fitter and healthier, your life will get better. Isn't that reason enough to smile?
You can walk straight through hell with a smile.
Maybe this is all a bit too straight for some.. but.. no one can change this only yourself.
Have a nice weekend..
#pwr #keeponrunning
Superb piece, Pat. Let’s hope we see some of the ‘lost’ runners returning to the races soon. Your article should give everyone encouragement.
ReplyDeleteJohnny G