Keeping motivated whilst running

kingofcrunk · July 2012

I'm new to running. For exercise I've always used various machines at the gym, swimming, Les Mills classes (mainly body combat and body pump), exercise DVDs (30 Day Shred) and walking. I've never ran far or been good at running. I thought I'd start because my dad runs marathons and I've always thought what an amazing achievement that is and I'd love to run one at some point in the future.

I've recently started running really short distances (2km or a mile and a half). One of the main problems I have is that I find it difficult to stay motivated in my head to keep going. I find it so difficult and as I have nothing to think about all I focus on is how hard it is to keep going. I don't think this is going.

Does anyone have any tips to help you stay motivated? I'd love to increase my distance of running (when fitness allows me to). I hope to start enjoying it at some point soon instead of finding it torturous....

Whiskybelly · July 2012

Try listening to music, pick a tempo and use that as your running pace. If it's stuff you like you'll be amazed how much your mind is taken off how tired you can get. Make it part of your own personal time, gives me motivation anyway.

Devona14 · July 2012

I agree with Cloney. I've been doing C25K for a while now (I'm repeating weeks until I feel comfortable) and had been using Robert Ullrey's podcasts. I wasn't really crazy about the music. Last night I used a different podcast that used pop music. I loved it and the 28 minute run didn't seem as bad.

CarsonRuns · July 2012

Do out and back run routes. That serves two purposes. One, once you are out there, you have no choice but to run back. Two, it gives you a built in challenge, run the return route slightly faster that the outbound route.

Also, slow down. Maybe you are running too fast, robbing yourself of the joy of a nice easy run. You should be able to carry on a conversation. If you can't, you are running too fast.

Run with a friend. The time will pass more quickly.

Schedule a race. This way you have a goal to work toward.

sarafil · July 2012

Training your mind is a very important part of running. I find music helps me a lot, as little mind games: I will do a "body scan," concentrating on how each part of my body feels as I run (is my head in good position? arms and shoulders relaxed? My feet under my hips? etc). That usually eats up some time. Mantras are good to use, too....little phrases that motivate you. Just keep repeating them over and over.

kingofcrunk · July 2012

Thanks, all these suggestions are really helpful. I particularly like the body scan idea. I think battling boredom while running is one of my biggest problems. If I could focus on other things I don't think I'd struggle as much.

I've signed up for a mini triathalon ('tryathalon') with Virgin Active so that'll have a run stage I can train for!

sandersen50 · July 2012

For me, the first time I particiapted in an event I was hooked. I was going to suggest signing up for a 5k, the tri is a great event. The best thing about running is it can be as social as you want it or as solitary as you need it to be.

Sounds ilke you need to focus on the social to keep at it. Nike+ has been a great motivator, check it out.

cwashkowiak · July 2012

I listen to music and focus on my breathing (it gives me something to focus on)...if I'm breathing way to hard, I slow down, but after the first 1/2 mile, it becomes more natural and you don't have to focus as much. I'm trying the 30 day shred next month and hoping that will jump start my motivation again, I noticed you said you've done it. Did you like it? I have the DVD and have only done it 2 times.

kingofcrunk · July 2012

I listen to music and focus on my breathing (it gives me something to focus on)...if I'm breathing way to hard, I slow down, but after the first 1/2 mile, it becomes more natural and you don't have to focus as much. I'm trying the 30 day shred next month and hoping that will jump start my motivation again, I noticed you said you've done it. Did you like it? I have the DVD and have only done it 2 times.

I love the 30 Day Shred - it absolutely kills me but I know I'm working really hard for the whole time. And as it is so short it feels really achievable because its always nearly over!
Which levels have you done? I did 10 days of level 1 and I saw a massive improvement (for me) in all the exercises. I've just moved on to level 2 which I find so hard but I'm hoping if i keep going it'll get easier too.
It really worked for me and I do actually enjoy doing it.
I bought the DVD too but my friend does the workouts from youtube. I should have looked there first!

queenhiphop · July 2012

Run with a friend. The time will pass more quickly.

hell no

Keeping motivated whilst running

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