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Original poster

how do you motivate yourself to go running?

59 replies

CheeseBored · 18/05/2014 12:27

I always have such good intentions, to get up nice and early and go for a run....

And I always always fail to do so.

I have made exciting playlists, and get podcasts ready, but I just can't make myself do it.

Maybe I am just lazy?

Any tips?

OP posts:
Ifyoubuildit · 20/05/2014 12:27

Start slow, tell yourself you'll just go for a short time. Once you get started you'll be fine and happy to carry on. For me it's just needing the initial kick up the arse.

anotherbitofcake · 20/05/2014 12:45

I love running but also sometimes struggle with motivation.

What helps me:
Having a goal and a training plan. You then know what you are doing and not running aimlessly. That said post race I also love the no pressure runs where I just go for the enjoyment! But if I didn't race then I wouldn't get that enjoyment iyswim!

Ditto planning it in diary, getting kit out ready, going at the time of day that is good for u (mine is am as I usually cop out if eve run!)

Having good tunes to listen too or exciting new route to run.

It does also get easier. Once u break that walk/run and can run non stop for 20 mins then I think things change. Once you've done a race you want to come back and do it faster or go longer. It's such a great personal achievement!

Also knowing the first 10 mins of a run are the hardest as u r cold. Once u get your rhythm it's easier, so it's good to bear that in mind.

mandy214 · 20/05/2014 13:10

I also love running once I have done it but am also very good at finding excuses not to go.

My top tips.

  1. Be realistic. If you know there is not a cat in hell's chance that you will get out of bed early when you can easily turn over and have an extra 30 mins' doze (or is that just me?!!), don't plan to run in a morning. Work out another time (especially now we're coming into light nights, can you go when the children are in bed?) early evening is a good time to go if you run through a residential area 'cos you can nosey into lounges where they haven't pulled the curtains and I plan a little change of decor in my head
  2. Sign up for something, set a goal and tell all your family and friends about it (I signed up for a marathon and told everyone ended up feeling like I'd let people down / be embarrassed if I didn't do it). If you do sign up for something like that, they have training guides which can be good for making you stick to them. If you do that, you can combine it with raising sponsorship money.
  3. For me, I have set days. I have to run on my day off. I have to run on a Saturday. Obviously if that doesn't work for you and you need some flexibility, tell yourself you have to run twice a week.
  4. For me too, I have something I need to "slim" into I have a dress on the back of my bedroom door that I will get into. I also have a diary entry pinned to the fridge door showing that I weighed less at 16 weeks pregnant with twins than I do now--. Its about finding something thats important to you (health / weight loss / de-stress benefit) and having it somewhere prominent so you see it all the time.
flashheartscanoe · 20/05/2014 14:27

the things that helped me were-
-making your first runs really short! its easy to go out for 15mins a few times a week and much better for you than not going at all.

  • dont link it to being on a diet or being thin (if you fail with one you fail with the other)- we need to exercise to stay healthy as we age- full stop.

-set a day and a time and dont make it a choice just a fact.

  • I dont like getting up early so I do it another time- 10am on a Sunday followed by a nice bath? lovely.
Impatientismymiddlename · 20/05/2014 16:01

The thing that motivates me most is being able to run a greater distance than my husband.
I have a competitive streak so having somebody else who does some running is helpful for me as I can gauge my progress against theirs.

Chopstheduck · 20/05/2014 17:30

Logging activities on my fitness pal is my biggest motivator. I then know if I don't get off my butt and exercise I can't eat that bit of cake, or have that glass of wine. And seeing my body developing and becoming leaner.

EauRouge · 20/05/2014 18:08

30 mins+ of not hearing "mummymummymummymummymummy", that's all the motivation I need Grin I'm currently on the injury bench and getting seriously itchy feet.

Pleaseputyourshoeson · 20/05/2014 19:04

EauRouge I could be you! That is the best bit - the time to yourself. As for the injury bit I feel your pain! I've had stress fracture and knee pain, hamstrings all ruining my plans. Now praying I've paid my injury dues! Am back at it. I just swam and rode my bike to try not lose fitness and did a lot of core exercises. Good luck!

Safmellow · 20/05/2014 19:05

Looking at myself naked first, then as I jog chanting 'thin thighs thin thighs' on a loop in my head.

Bigbouncingbaby · 20/05/2014 19:16

Eaurouge I totally agree 40 mins child free is all the motivation I need...makes me feel better and deal better with the kids

Miind u I'm one of those freaks who can jump out of bed and go early at 5 am before the kids get up! Summer mornings u can't beat them although hard when DS feeds anything from 2 till 4 am :(

It's makes me feel so much better that's all I need. Plus I can eat more

overmydeadbody · 20/05/2014 19:47

Putting my running kit on and telling someone I'm off for a run.

If I tell people I'm going for a run, I am far more likely to get out and do it.

also, one I am dressed in lycra I will definitely get out of the house.

I love running. But I used to hate it. Keep on doing it, and once you get really good you'll probably find it easier to get out.

I also don't lt time put me off. You can run any time. It doesn't even matter if it's dark. I'm going running in about ten minutes and it doesn't matter that it's nearly 8pm. I'll be home by 9:30 and that's time better spent than if I stayed home and put the tv on!

overmydeadbody · 20/05/2014 19:47

Safmellow don't runners usually have big thighs? Grin

LimburgseVlaai · 20/05/2014 19:56

Get one or two large stupid dogs that need exercise whatever the weather. You will soon think that you might as well go for a run with the dogs if you have to go out anyway.

If this is not practical, get Runtastic or some such app. I found that it really helped to see my distance, time, hilliness and so on and to keep track of my progress.

Find a friend to run with, preferably one who is a bit fitter and keener than you.

I have done all three and I now run 4-5 times per week. I am still nowhere near as good as my friend but my distance has steadily gone up, and I can now do 5 miles through very steep woods while chatting. It's great!

Suzannewithaplan · 20/05/2014 20:07

sprinters have larger thighs...or rather people with large quads with a high proportion of fast twitch fibres tend to make better sprinters.

Regardless of muscle fibre type many find running very effective for reducing thigh adiposity not to mention belly fat!

LimburgseVlaai · 20/05/2014 20:12

Incidentally I don't get the running with earphones. In town it seems dangerous, and in the country you don't get to hear the birds. And it must be really hard to find a playlist that has the right rhythm all the time?

Safmellow · 20/05/2014 20:36

:) I have the option of fat thighs or muscley thighs, the muscley option is slightly leaner (and much less wobbly). Thin thighs is just a pipe dream of mine.

It's hard though. I hate my bum and legs and they are always the last parts of my body to respond to exercise. Grrr.

Chopstheduck · 20/05/2014 20:39

I like my music, and it doesn't have to be the same tempo as your running stride. I feel like I am sprinting when a slow track comes on! Grin

holidaydreaming · 20/05/2014 21:06

Oh no! Def go running early. I thought the whole point was to feel smug and if you go first thing you can feel quietly pleased with yourself all day
Wink

Also, I only ever think of one thing at a time.
So firstly sit up in bed, feet out of bed, drag clothes on, pull hair back, key in bra, step out door.
I am telling myself that if I don't want to do as long or as hilly or whatever I don't have to but I have never gone out the door and then not pushed myself to a full run!

shushpenfold · 20/05/2014 21:11

Honestly, I don't know anyone who actually fancies a run upon waking, unless they're an honest to goodness 'extreme lark' (look at the BBC website)

I have run for over 20 years and the only thing that works for me is this:

You have a plan.
You ARE NOT allowed to question that plan the next morning until you've completed 15 minutes of your run. It works, I promise.

Don't let yourself think about it...that simple. Sadly, magic wands don't work but sheer determination or making the most of your semi-concious state with only 1 thing in mind does.

Good luck

lavenderhoney · 20/05/2014 21:15

My running gear is always out and ready. Its nice running gear as well, plus I run in wrap around raybans as I don't like the glare and I don't have to have anyone look into my eyes and see I'd rather be eating chocolate:)

I run nearly everyday, between work and pick up, no time in the morning or after school. So I have to go then.

I like it as its free, and I glance at the clock on my way out and think- 45 mins and you'll be back! I run about 5k.

I like being slim, I like the thinking time - I get LOADS sorted out in my head. I have a list of things to think of:)

I don't run with music as I'm scared of being run over on country lanes and I like to hear the birds:)

If I don't run I am miserable, snappy and fat. I think I can actually feel my arse getting bigger if I think " not today"

motleymop · 20/05/2014 21:20

Try to think of it as an essential part of daily life - like brushing your teeth. I like looking at other people also running when I am doing it and thinking 'they are taking their daily exercise too' - sort of enforces it being a daily health necessity!

TittyNotSusan · 20/05/2014 22:04

Definitely join a running group or club. It's the only thing that gets me out. They run them from some running shops. We have an informal one in our town. I've been going 8 years and made some great friends. If you know someone is stood in the rain waiting for you, you always go!

I would have been too scared to join a proper club, but this is perfect for me. You could always just start one by sticking a poster up in the local sports club or leisure centre. Ours just says "Does anyone want to run with other women at 7.00 on Tuesdays? Approx 5-6 miles, on and off road.

I find it's fairly self-selecting. We have new people come along every now and then. If they're far too good for us we send them off to join the local proper running club. If they can't keep up, we encourage them to keep coming and they are usually OK after 3 weeks.

SaucyJack · 20/05/2014 22:31

Another vote for going in the evening. I can barely run to the end of the road first thing, but I just did a rather enjoyable 10k this eve after putting the older DD's to bed.

Suzannewithaplan · 20/05/2014 22:41

Any muscle is good Saf, and it'll help stabilize your knees!

neolara · 21/05/2014 00:02

I have the Zombies Run app, which means I get to listen to both my own music and a fun story while being chased by the undead. When I get home, I can download all the data so I can nerdily compare how fast I ran compared to last week.