Staying Motivated for Running

As an avid reader of Runner's World, I'm always content to read the latest suggestions on staying motivated to run. Especially during winter, it seems that running can be easy to pass off. Especially if it's cold, windy, snowing and various other winter weather afflictions that make it easy for otherwise dedicated runners to get reclusive and hunker down to stay comfy and warm. Finding ways to stay motivated for running aren't too hard to come by though and the February 2011 issue of Runner's World is a helpful source in this way. Motivate

Take a Break

If your old running routine is to run your heart out, you might want to consider being easier on yourself and perhaps even taking a break. Sometimes it helps to restore your fervor for running by doing less of it, at least for a short time to renew your passion for the sport and stay inspired, especially if you've been working hard at training for a specific event. Training can be a drain on you as well as your relationships, especially if you have a spouse. Your significant other will thank you as well.

Slow Down

If your routine in the past has been to run at top speeds, consider slowing your pace. Running fast for lengthy periods has it's downside. While you improve your times, you can create a prime situation for injury to occur as well as stress your system. Use some of your running time as an opportunity for you to slow your pace and recover while still receiving the benefits of a good run.

What About Runner's Burn Out?

It's easy for beginners as well as those returning to running after some time off to hit things too hard creating a burn out situation that results in ceasing to run at all. It might be wiser to begin slow, maybe running every other day and using the other days to cross train within a few different varieties of exercise to keep things fresh and stimulating.

Challenge Yourself

If you've been more prone to walking the harder parts of your run, challenging yourself may keep you interested in your runs as you engage in seeing just your capable of. I'm living proof that this method is effective. My neighborhood has some hills that I never thought I could take on. Until I did that is. Once I saw what I could do, I instantly was motivated to consistently keep running.