The mental mind game of running..help :)

I run 3 times per week, so it's not a monontous, everyday task I have to complete. I also only have 1 long run per week, so I only have 1 day per week where I have to focus on running long. I have 1 run of speed work with a 10 minute warm up, then speed work, then 10 minute cool down jog. That breaks it up because during the speed intervals, I have to be focused on going as fast as I can then I'm just glad for the slow run I get to catch my breath between sprints. The next run is either hills or drills. With hills, it can feel like a long run, but if you pick a good route, you see more scenery and it almost feels like a reward when you get to the top of the hill. With drills (buttkickers, high knees, bounding, etc.) it's self explanatory of how it doesn't get boring. Same warm up & cool down as sprint day, but with drills in between.

On the long runs, I try to not take the same routes. I don't run the same course on long runs as I do on the shorter ones. I'm training for my first half now too and it's amazing the new scenery I see when running a long run of 8 miles (my longest run right now) because I've never made it that far away from home on a run before.

The first 5ish minutes is the worst, your body is transitioning into exercise, your systems are being depleted as your aerobic "stuff" gets ready. I always look at my watch and think how the heck is it only 4 minutes?! Then I usually have another "ugh" point about 45 minutes in, then I'm good to go.

I can't run right now but when I was putting in more miles I would switch up my running playlist every time, I'd do fartlek work a lot (run fast to the next street light, then back off until the park a few blocks ahead, etc.) to keep myself entertained, try to meet up with my running friend every couple weeks, switch my route around, etc. Also the dog kept me motivated, I knew if I didn't get her tired enough she'd drive me crazy all day

I have to have upbeat tunes. I've found that my feet keep going when the tunes are fast and upbeat. If a slow song comes on, I start to notice the distance I've gone or what muscles are starting to get tired....

I just committed myself to my 3rd marathon in May - This is a huge step for me as I havent run in about a year.
I do follow a running plan so I stay on track & make sure to get the right amount of mileage in - too many miles & you burn out. too few miles & you dont get the practice.
For me - my motivation comes when I am actually out on my run. This morning I was exhausted - didnt sleep well last night & the last thing I wanted to do was go for a 4mile run at 6am. But... i had to. And about 5minutes in, I was feeling better.
I tend to get in a "zone" where my feet just keep on going and I dont even have to think about what Im doing. It takes about a mile to get into that feeling. Once my body is warm & has accepted the fact that we have to run. HAHA.
I actually dont switch up my playlists or my routes - I found that the more "distractions" of having to think about where Im going or "oooh. i like this song, I havent heard it in awhile" get me OUT of my zone & then I start thinking about the fact that Im running & im getting bored & kinda tired & "geez. how much longer do i have to go"
the less my mind works while Im running, the better. HAHHA

Good luck - the only thing you really need in order to complete your marathon is the determination & mindset that you're GOING to do it! everything else is just extra

There are great ideas here and I am going to repeat a few that have really helped for me:

Join a running group (Don’t be intimidated! There are great groups out there and it is FUN!)
Run in new places
Run with others (and have a conversation)
Commit to a target event
Commit to a plan for the target event
Change up the playlist often
Mix up your work out

When I first returned to running in March, I had a really hard time staying motivated. I had a target event so I was kept trying but as much as I liked to run, I had a really hard time mentally getting into each work out. I learned that my biggest obstacle was me. The first mile or so was brutal, physically and mentally but then almost in an instant I would feel fantastic for the remainder of my run. Since my runs at the time were typically 2-3 miles, I was spending more than half my time locked in a battle with myself and I just wanted to give up. When I talked with running friends about it, they all said the same thing: If you love mile two, then you have to push through mile one to get there. Well, duh. Most also agreed that as I built my mileage and spent more miles in the zone I would find it easier to push through that first mile. I joined a running group to build mileage and have people to “push through” that horrible mile with and suddenly I was really enjoying my runs. With the enjoyment came the motivation and with motivation came even more miles, more time in the zone. My first mile is my weakest, but I don’t struggle with it like I did and while not every run is great, I have few problems finding motivation these days. Actually, I am pretty sure I am addicted to running. That isn’t something I ever thought would happen.