Hello runner friends!
Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series
MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!
Now let's get started by discussing a few ways you can motivate yourself.
Okay, so we talk all the time about how having a friend or group to run with can help motivate a person to get out the door right? And a runner should always take advantage of the times when he/she can have some company. But what about when you have no choice but to hit the trails or road solo? What can you do? Let's look at some tried and tested tricks that will prompt you to lace up those shoes and head out the door despite having no one to talk to but yourself.
1. Just Go. Could it be that easy? Yes if you don't give yourself a choice! Decide beforehand that you're going to run and then make it happen. And here's where a simple running hack can help... prepare the night before. Start by psyching yourself up saying, "Okay... insert your name... you are going to get out of bed tomorrow and tackle those miles!" Then set your alarm, put on your running clothes (yes you’re going to sleep in them), grab your running shoes and a banana. Set your shoes by the bathroom sink and put your banana by your toothbrush. Now determine how long you are going to allow yourself to do the essentials (bathroom, brush, banana, hydrate) in the morning and stick to it (use a timer if you have to). Doing all this will eliminate excuses and help you get out the door. And let's face it, getting ready is always half the battle right? So don't think, just go!
2. Reward yourself for going. For real. Just don't undo all your gains by making that reward a large pizza or a McDonald's super-sized combo. My favorite reward for completing a run? Coffee! But hey, if a cup of liquid love is not your thing do something different. Perhaps a healthy smoothie? Or a massage or a nap? Or how about reverting back to your childhood and using shiny stickers? Put a calendar on your fridge and place a sticker on each day you complete your workout. Then look back at the end of the month and pat yourself on the back for each run that you finished. And for a bigger reward and added motivation, create a system where a certain number of stickers earned gives you an even bigger reward. For instance, eyeing a new watch or pair of shoes? After 30 runs, splurge and get it reinforcing the idea that hard work reaps benefits. And remember this, no matter what type of "reward" you give yourself, the greatest reward is what you’re doing for your health.
3. Buy a music plan and download different playlists. This may seem small but it's actually a great way to self-motivate. I pay $9.99 a month for unlimited downloads and it's so worth it! When I'm feeling unmotivated, I simply search for some new music and make a new playlist that's long enough for my run. This actually gets me excited to get out the door knowing I'll be singing (yes I sing while I run and yes out loud) new songs. And if you're not into music, try podcasts, a radio app or audiobooks. Engaging your mind while knocking out those training miles is a great incentive.
4. Get out at the prettiest times of the day. This one is so underrated! If you're a morning runner, get out and watch the sunrise. Resolve to be present in the moment and deeply breathe in the morning air. If you're a night owl, start at a time when you can end as the sun goes down. Both times are equally enjoyable and are a reward for getting out the door.
5. Be grateful. This one is definitely the most underrated thing that you and I can do to motivate ourselves. Why? Because grateful people appreciate the gifts they are given, especially the ones they don't deserve. Which is exactly what running is. It's a gift we've done nothing to earn and one that we can lose in an instant (think about the times you and/or your friends have been injured or too ill to get out there). Makes you look at being able to move a little differently right? Being grateful turns your, "I have to run today" into "I get to run today." And believe it or not, that simple mind and heart change can make all the difference. Because, get this... you don't have to go running today. You don't have to really do anything but pay your taxes and die right? So if you're still on the upside of the dirt and still have a few pennies in your pocket, rejoice! And then get out there and go running with a smile on your face.
So there you have it friends. Although running with a buddy or a group is definitely something to be enjoyed, don't limit your runs to only those times. Discipline yourself to stick to your training schedule whether you're solo or with your posse. When you cross that finish line at one of the Bass Pro Fitness Series events, you'll be so grateful that you did.
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