Reading all of my favorite blogs, I have noticed that there is a bit of a motivation problem lately.
Can anyone relate? It’s the holiday season, you’re maybe eating a few more sweets than normal, have a few more drinks than normal, and those sweat fests suddenly seem MUCH LESS appealing. The fact that we get out of bed and get to work is a win some days, right?
Well if you struggling, know that you are not alone!! I have been asked recently how I keep my motivation up. One thing is I have perfected my body’s ability to handle sugar and carbs ;)…but in all seriousness, there are a few things that keep me going.
There will be a day that I can no longer RUN. That day is not today.
I actually repeat this mantra to myself often when I am struggling during runs. It is a reminder to me that I know my body, and know that a day will come when it doesn’t want to run anymore. Whether that be a short term injury, or long term decision, there will likely come a day.
But that day is NOT today, so I try and take advantage. Make sure that I don’t forget to be THANKFUL that I can still run and be active. When I think of it this way, it makes me appreciate my work out.
I know I will feel better after my run.
This is also a big one for me. First, I think it’s important to make a distinction. Is your body telling you that you need a break or are injured? Or are you just lacking motivation?
When I am just feeling complainy and not wanting to run, I remind myself of how much better I will feel right after I finish. Running is my happy pill. Seriously. It melts the stress away, and it allows me to feel like I have control when everything else around me is crazy.
When I remind myself that I will likely feel WORSE if I don’t get my run on, then normally I find it in me to lace up my shoes.
I PRIORITIZE running.
I know not everyone can do this. A tip of my hat to those moms who also work AND find time to run. Don’t know how you do it.
I MAKE TIME for my running right now. While I can. My schedule allows it (for the most part), and so I like to tell myself that time is no excuse. I can find 45 minutes in each day to work out. Whether it’s waking up an hour earlier than I would like, or doing it first thing after work, or while dinner cooks…I find time.
Is it always easy? No. And it would be a lot more challenging if I didn’t have a supportive husband and partner who understands just how important it is to me to fit in a run (In reality he has probably just seen me crabby from skipping a run one too many times and is HAPPY to push me out the door ;).
Those are honestly the three BIG things for me folks. I know it’s different for everyone, but it’s how I maintain some sanity during this crazy time of year!
PLEASE SHARE YOUR MOTIVATIONAL TIPS IN THE COMMENTS! We all need the help nowadays!
Chocolate Covered Race Medals 