What keeps you motivated? How do you stay disciplined? How do you build yourself up to run? These were questions I was specifically asked after posting my last blog post….. and, this got me thinking….. why do I lace up and head out door or jump on treadmill to run?
I believe everyone can find motivation somewhere…. One just has to find that specific source that will push him/her to run or workout.
#1 Stress release
For me, running and working out is an escape……. the hour or hour and half I run/workout, the world seems to stop. Literally, I am just running, breathing, mind is clear, and I am physically moving my body as the body is built to do. There are no phone calls, texts, etc…… I am unreachable! I actually feel untouchable. I am in “time out” from life! I work as a Nurse Practitioner. This last year with COVID-19 was unusually stressful. The medical field is stressful to begin with, but add a pandemic, and stress multiplies. . Then, I have a son in middle school ….. with school going virtual last year, that added additional stress. I had valued teachers before virtual schooling, but my respect for teachers went up a million percent after virtual schooling. And, there are other stressors which I will not go into at this time…. but, my point is… running is a huge stress release for me particularly…… which is my number one motivation for lacing up!
#2 target a goal
Targeting a goal can be a huge motivator to run or work out as well. Of course, with Covid-19 and races being cancelled…. I know motivation can potentially be lost. However, you can still have a targeted goal without having a specific race to train for. I have been following a training plan to run a half marathon that was to take place this weekend. Of course, that half marathon was cancelled about a month ago. I decided to simply stay on track with training. My thought process was, I will only get stronger. So, targeted goals could be to build stronger base, get faster, build endurance, etc….. sure these are not like having a set race date, but one must adapt and adjust goals in order to motivate his/herself to lace up!
#3 Find a running/workout group
If it is a struggle to get yourself motivated, plan to run/workout with a supportive group. For one thing, knowing others are depending on you, you become accountable to “show up.” Also, the support alone of having others run and work out with you makes the run/workout seem easier…. not to mention time seems to fly! Before you know it, the workout is done!!! Plus, you get to socialize and catch up with work out partners which is always fun!
#4 Listen to Music
Music is magical ….. the right kind of music, and you will be pumped up to get laced up and get moving!!!!! Something about music lifts spirits and puts a little pep in your step!! Music is a great distraction and doesn’t allow your mind to trick you into thinking your body is tired ….. so, make a playlist, lace up, and get moving!
#5 run/workout with an app
ok, this one particularly, I know very little about… I have never used an app. However, I have friends who use various apps like “Couch to 5k”, Nike app, etc and they seem to stay motivated. From what I know…. the apps are set up to motivate you through a workout. So, if you have tried everything else… why not check out an app of some sort.
Bottom line….. there is always a source of motivation. You just have to try different methods and find what works for you!!! And, above all else…. run/workout for you!!!!! For your health!!!! And, that includes your mental and physical health!!!!! Life is stressful…. exercise is the best coping mechanism ….. so, just lace up and go!!!!! As the saying goes, “you never regret a work out, only the one you didn’t do!”
Now, go lace up!!!!! What motivates you? Please share in comments below…. You too may offer motivation tips I haven’t thought about….. have a great weekend!!! And, thank you all who support this blog, my Instagram page, and Facebook page!!! I appreciate the support more than I can express in words! Xo