If you run alone, what motivates you?

[OneStepMoreFun]

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?

Oh I also use Runtastic to track my speed distance etc

I love these answers too and want to ask two silly questions -
How do you listen to podcasts and audibles while you run? What equipment do you need? Sorry for being so silly.

I do it very first thing - straight from PJs to running gear, have a glass of water and then run for 30 mins before even coffee! It's the only way I'd do it as the thing that puts me off running is the thought of showering more than I need to....

Bramrang- just water and no breakfast? I've not do be early morning running but might try it

Just downloaded Zombies, Run! - looking forward to my run tomorrow now!

I used to do it first thing with no breakfast - if you eat you're more likely to get a stitch so will need to wait a bit, and then you're less likely to go. Running on an empty stomach is supposedly better for fat loss as you're not just burning the food you've just eaten.

Straight up and into running gear means you're out of the door before you've really thought about it. Make sure you drink some water though as you will be dehydrated from night time.

Bit more difficult now with DC but should get back into it again.

I hate running with others and will only ever run on my own.

I like to be able to control my own pace and distance. Plus I love the solitude. I'm more motivated when I run first thing (PJs into running gear, drop kids at school and go).

I have the audio book app from my local library. So as well as my exercise costing me nothing, my books don't either.

I run rurally in the south west, I wear the old fashioned earphones - not the plugs you get now, but the old in ear ones. Much better for hearing stuff around you. I run with an old ipod nano which I either listen to radio 4 on or music. I run first thing, no breakfast - just up, clothes, 'bathroom' (I can't run without this!) And then out the door. If it's dark I wear a head torch so the odd car can see me, but there isn't much traffic on my country lane.

I love the different smells as the seasons change. There are smells from the plants and trees even in the middle of winter.

I daydream a lot, sometimes I come back sad as I can dwell on unhappy thoughts, other times I come back elated from the endorphins/fresh air/having seen a deer or hare or owl.

Good luck!

Yes to the smells, but also the sounds around you. No headphones for me.

humdrum I can listen to podcasts through my phone.

I listen to dance music to get me moving and also it wears the dog out a bit, which is a blessing!

Why not see if there is a C25k at a local running club ? That way you start off with a load of people who have the same fears as you, have a readymade group of runn buddies for ‘homework’ runs and are supported by a leader. Lots of new C25ks will be starting in the new year . Parkrun is (as always) brilliant even if you walk or run/walk

Some of those I know swear by walking the kids to school in running gear (as a warm up) then doing the C25k on the way home. Its definitely easier if it becomes part of your day - at the end of a day in the office I look forward to putting comfy running gear on, then I go to the running club on the way home Once I’m back on the sofa I’ll never move !

LOVE running on my own. My motivators are alone time, time away from being mummy, music and podcasts, time to think, chat crap in my head, planning my next day. Park run is awesome if you are looking for motivation. Best of luck

What @lovingit81 said!

I prefer running on my own - it is blissfully selfish just thinking about nothing and enjoying my body and the landscape. I notice smells too, and how the colours change in the sky, and what plants are growing. I find my mind deals with frustrations and niggles ‘in the background’ while I’m focusing on moving, and I’ll often get home and realise I’ve solved a problem or let go of a worry.

I enter events (I don't say races as I am very much a back of the pack runner), and having spent money is a good motivator for me.

I listen to the best of Amazon prime they also have music for running to. I highly recommend bone conducting ear phones, you can still hear what’s going on around you so feels safer. Motivation is hard some days but no one ever regrets a run but you will regret not doing one!

hum
I run podcasts through Spotify on my phone or in use various running playlists I've made.
Headphone wise I use normal ear buds or bone conducting ones depending on the route om doing. I live in an area popular with runners so it doesn't bother me wearing headphones as I normally see at least a dozen runners when I'm out.

I listen to music (I have various Spotify playlists to suit mood).

But as others have pointed out, I also want to be safe. So I have bone-conducting headphones so there is nothing in/over my ear and I can still hear the world around me (and the marshalls at events).

HumDrum I have Trekz Titanium, and you just need to charge them up and turn them on near a Bluetooth device (iphone for me) and they seem to pair all by themselves. You can then listen to anything you've downloaded on the device, even if it's buried in a belt/pocket/backpack. There's a pause button and (fiddly) volume control on the headphones. They're approved by England Athletics (is that the right name?) for use in races, but some events ban them along with non-approved ones, do do check

I love watching things change through the seasons as I run. It's amazing how there are tiny signs of spring already. I've found winter much less grey and more bearable since I've started getting out for a walk or run each morning,

Music.
Putting off old age and ill health.
Squirrels and cute dogs
Cup of tea when I get home.

I listen to my audio books when I run. I don't listen to them at any other time so I look forward to my run to hear the next part of the book. I only use one earphone - I can hear the book fine but I can also hear what's going on around me.
Also, I have a 9 and 12 yr old at home. They are always bickering so the idea of getting away from their whining, arguing and general noise for an hour is a great motivator. Sometimes I like taking them with me - occasionally they run, but more usually they cycle.

I can’t stand running with other people. Running time is ME time, time to go at my own pace and just get lost in thought. I usually run without music, but I recently got audibles for long dog walks, and sometime find myself continuing later on with the book during a run.

Headphones which conduct sound while leaving you still aware of your surroundings

https://aftershokz.co.uk

It's brilliant reading all your inspirations. I live in a lovely area - easy access to nature with lots of off-road runs, so I will stop being a wuss and start running them.