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Exercise

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Original poster

If you run alone, what motivates you?

74 replies

OneStepMoreFun · 28/12/2018 16:55

I used to love running, even though I was very bad at it (fat and slow). But then my and my running partner's work patterns both changes and we couldn;t find a regular time to run together. I stopped because I felt so self conscious and scared running alone in the woods.

I'd love to get back into it but no one I know wants the commitment. So how do I get started from scratch, alone? I'll probably do C25K to start.

If you run alone, what apps do you have? What do you listen to? What's your routine? How do you stay motivated?

OP posts:

LittleAlbatross · 28/12/2018 17:01

Probably not helpful but it's one of the few times I don't have to listen to my kids bickering. That's a great motivator

TheOldestCat · 28/12/2018 17:03

I listen to podcasts - find them more motivating than music oddly. I run on days I work from home - day motovation is putting running gear on as soon as I get up.
Good luck!

TheOldestCat · 28/12/2018 17:03

Also, parkrun is fab if there is one near you.

HardRockHallelujah · 28/12/2018 17:04

I listen to some very angry heavy metal and try to take time to see not just look at the woods. Not everyone's cup of tea but maybe you can find some music that motivates you?

BrassicaBabe · 28/12/2018 17:04

Women's Hour podcast for long runs

WhatwouldCJdo · 28/12/2018 17:08

I run alone as don't know anyone to run with. I make playlists, listen to Pod Casts. I have apps to monitor my progress if I feel like it that tell me how many mins per Km I am doing

And once you have done C25k do a park run. My fav venue is really friendly and I've made friends there and helps to motivate in the mid week to go running so I aim for good park run times.

I also pick out well lit areas to run this time of year and save the woods and moors for Summer.

HotInWinter · 28/12/2018 17:10

I HATE running with others because running used to be the only time I was on my own. The only time I could switch off, and not listen out for "Mummmmmeeeeee", the only time I could do exactly what I wanted - go faster, go slower, walk for a bit, all completely at my choice without having to think how it might affect others. I get plenty of time at home on my own these days, but still prefer to run alone.

IloveBaileysCheesecake · 28/12/2018 17:14

I make up playlists (lots of them). For me, it's getting my arse out the door that's hard but once I'm out it's all good. I find if I get up, dressed and out the door first thing in the morning it's easier and I prefer the quietness of the morning. It's bloody freezing at 5.30am though but you soon spark to life with the cold ha ha

OComeAllYeFaithful · 28/12/2018 17:17

Entering races and having them looming is what really gets me out! But of me time too. I like listening to podcasts as I run.

Have you looked to see if there’s any running groups near you?

Ladominate14 · 28/12/2018 17:20

I run to music half the time and always run alone. I wouldn't like to run with people because it is my me time. I run and order my thoughts while I do so, zone out pleasurably, while enjoying the views. It's a very rhythmic soothing process.

Nowisthemonthofmaying · 28/12/2018 17:21

I love Zombies Run - it's a running story app. I always want to hear the next episode and running gets you points which you can use to build up your 'home base' on the app. Plus it has lots of good tracking features etc and you can set distance, times etc to suit your level.

Original poster

OneStepMoreFun · 28/12/2018 17:21

So many brilliant answers. Thank you.

Right, going to bulk buy some new running gear so I can get into it first thing every morning and just get out there as soon as DC are off to school (about 7.20 am) I work form home most days, so no excuse not to.

Think I'll start with a C25K app and then move on to podcasts and good music.

OP posts:

MikeUniformMike · 28/12/2018 17:25

Don't listen to anything while you run. Stick to well lit areas.
If you really don't want to go for a run, tell yourself you only have to go as far as the corner.
You will always feel better after a run than you will if you made excuses.
Find something scenic to put in your route e.g. a riverbank - it will always look a little different.

mckenzie · 28/12/2018 17:27

I run alone and don't listen to any music or podcasts as I enjoy listening to the silence or the birds etc. Like lots of you, I use my running time to de stress, chill out, clear my head etc so I don't need any motivator. I'd go more often if my body/time would allow

May I add a relevant comment to you all?

Please be careful if you are listening to podcasts or music while running. Only ever have one earpiece in at a time.
You need to be aware of your surroundings, be they traffic, dogs, other runners or nasty bogie men hiding behind the bush.

littlerabbitfoo · 28/12/2018 17:28

I have audible and look forwArd to listening to my book
Also training for races
Strava if you like showing off!

Lottapianos · 28/12/2018 17:31

I run at the gym because running on the streets stresses me out too much. I watch the TV or listen to music, or sometimes a podcast. Running regularly makes everything in my mind and body work better and gives me a huge sense of achievement. It's tough but I love it

ShowOfHands · 28/12/2018 17:32

I listen to nothing as I can't wear earphones for some reason, plus it's not safe where I run (v bendy country lanes, I need to hear traffic).

Motivation is the joy of being fitter, healthier, slimmer and alone with my thoughts.

Weatherwax · 28/12/2018 17:37

Like lots of others here, some proper bouncy tunes while I run to keep me going, and a little challenge such as running 25km in a month, or more of you can do it. I keep a little tally in a notebook and get a proper sense of achievement when I reach it. Or even exceed!

BikeRunSki · 28/12/2018 17:37

I hate running with other people. Running is often my only me time for days.

I am motivated by the twin spectres of osteoarthritis and Type 2 Diabetes, neither which I have, but both of which my mother does.

MagicKeysToAsda · 28/12/2018 17:41

Like others I enjoy the quiet headspace and often find answers pop into my head while on a run without even thinking about the problem IYSWIM? I either have no noise, or a happy playlist, or an audio book. I bought annual membership of a nearby stately home because there are miles of proper surfaced paths so it's nicer than pavement running but less muddy than the park. On sluggish days I tell myself I can walk if I want to but I still have to go, so I may as well run!

DuggeesWooOOooggle · 28/12/2018 17:46

I run on my own as I am only competing against myself. I have never been particularly fit and have lots of hang ups about not being sporty, probably because it was all team games and ball sports at school and I wasn't very coordinated or fast so was often last picked. When I discovered exercise as an adult it was a revelation that I could enjoy physical activity and no one else needed to be aware of how far/fast I had gone, and I could do it for myself.

I don't listen to anything, I just like the head space.

Boiledeggandtoast · 28/12/2018 17:49

I live in inner London and love the (relative) peace and quiet of running in our local park, especially first thing on a Sunday morning when there are very few people around and lots of bird song. I also much prefer to run alone so I can go at my own pace.

Boiledeggandtoast · 28/12/2018 17:51

And totally agree with DuggeesWoo.

Annasgirl · 28/12/2018 17:55

I run alone and don’t listen to anything. I leave my phone at home too. It’s my headspace in the week, two runs, maybe three, no kids, no questions, no chat. Just me and my thoughts, the good the bad and the ugly. I motivate myself by going directly after school drop off so I don’t get distracted.

Crookedcolours · 28/12/2018 17:57

I just listen to my playlist,

I find it helps to have a set routine and then on those days get changed into your running clothes ASAP so you're not tempted to not go

When I first did couch to 5 k 3 years ago I got laughed at by builders on my first run!! I used to run round and round a quiet field while I built up confidence

Thankfully I stuck with it and have since done 2 half marathons, a wolf run and had a top 10 10k finish so it's worth sticking to it!

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