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?

Happy running One Step (well it would be a very steady jog with me).

I am sure the NHS site has C25K app and you can pick the commentary voice e.g Sara Milligan.

I run alone a good bit I don’t listen to anything. I get motivated as it’s something to do at night time and I love the hunger it gives me then my food tastes nicer
And the deep sleep after a run I can’t get enough!

Thank you WhatWould bit of a stately jog for me too at the moment, as I'm 2 stone overweight!

I'm definitely going to try the Zombie app at least once. It sounds brilliantly silly.

Wow OP you have had some amazing answers to your question! I run on my own with no headphones etc - I love being outside by myself with just my thoughts for company. In the early days (starting c25k) I stuck religiously to a Monday-Wednesday-Friday run routine and didn't break that for 5 months. By then, I was running obsessed and moved to 4 days a week and more varied runs (longer, hills etc) so Mon-Wed-Fri no longer works. But I think initially having set days really helps, it stops you thinking "shall I run today?" to a "I must run today".

I'm also a big advocate of laying out your running kit the night before, and making your run the FIRST thing you do in the day (or as much as you can according to your family life) so you don't allow yourself to be distracted by jobs/ family/ bad weather etc. I too run on an empty stomach other than a glass of water, and make sure I drink loads at night / before bed. Never felt leg-weary or had stitch.

Good luck OP. Just do it. Come back and join the running thread when you get hooked!

I run because I want to be fit and healthy.

I sometimes put on my running gear when I go to bed 😄😳, it makes it much easier to go out for a run the next morning. I usually run first thing in the morning - no food / water, just straight out.

Thanks, Daisy. Mon, Wed, Fri sounds good. I swim on Tuesdays and do yoga on Thursdays so that routine would be perfect.
Ordered a bunch of running clothes today so that I'll have stuff to climb into first thing in the mornings. I need new running shoes, then I'm good to go.

Well done OP, sounds like you have the bones of a really good plan there. Yoga and running are a match made in heaven, that will work very well. Don't skimp on the trainers, everyone says that when you start but you will be thankful if you get yourself properly fitted out. Once you get keen, you will be livid if you have to stop running because of an injury!

Look forward to hearing your progress.

Runkeeper is a brilliant smartphone app for tracking your runs.

I listen to news stories from NPR or music on Spotify that I've downloaded to my phone.

Unfortunately I tore a ligament (the gluteus medius) running and am now reduced to power walking a few miles a day. I don't know if it'll ever heal completely.

The C25k app does reminders which can be a useful motivator. If you’re getting running gear I’ve found warm running tights very helpful in the cold weather.

I'm on series 6 of Zombies Run. It's witty, and I may have been known to run around chuckling to myself. I turned the zombie chases off years ago... they always know when I'm halfway up a hill

I like music too (bone conducting earphones) If I'm struggling on motivation, I revert back to the C25k+ podcasts so Laura can tell me what to do, and I know I can do it.

Another vote for parkrun, podcasts and playlists. Also just put your running gear on and if your feeling really anti running, don’t set yourself a distance or time just tell yourself you can turn around and come home whenever you want but you just have to try. Anything is better than nothing and you will never come home mad at yourself for going but you will feel mad at yourself if you don’t.

I am another lone runner. Love space in my head.
I do avoid woods as feel a bit nervous but love country lanes and farm tracks and the coastal path.
I don't use headphones, sometimes play music on way back as a reward for outward run but I just listen to it on phone no headphones, the dogs and sheep sometimes look a bit aghast at my choices...

So glad I found this thread! Used to run lots and have done marathons and mudders but am now fat and unfit. Live very rurally in forested and hilly place which is really daunting as I hate hills. Spend 12 hours out the house as have a v long commute so struggling with energy and motivation. Gratefully reading all suggestions but am a little scared of running on my own through the woods in the dark!

minkies. Lunchtime shortish runs might be an option.

I try and walk at lunchtime as only have 30min break. Work on a large industrial site so struggle to get anywhere without hard hat, safety boots etc. Just have visions of myself running through the woods happily....will have to make a start on weekends!

Good luck. I find a lunchtime walk beneficial.

well, my new trainers and hi viz running jacket arrived today and they fit. so it's happening....

I don't seem to be able to get zombies run to work with my music.

I'm pretty good at my own company. Walking, cycling, swimming or running. There's always stuff to mull over. Running doesn't take long & I run outside so stuff to look at, birds, clouds, funny trees, etc. I don't think I could concentrate on a podcast, tbh, I would start daydreaming.

Use mapmyrun and then try to increase my average pace etc each time.

I am using the Nike app to keep my motivation going as it suggests different types if runs and also mixes in exercise routines. I also find an event to work towards helps e.g a charity run

Just got back from first C25K of the year. Loved it! (I know week 1 is very easy, but still.) I'm glowing.

Well done OneStepMoreFun 🙂.

I've done C25K a couple of times, but I seem to have stopped running for ~9 months. I'm just making it up as I go this time, my next run will be 2.5k. I'm not sure whether I'd retained some fitness or how much of this is a mind game battle, but I'm getting on okay so far 🤞🏻. I bloody love running. Afterwards.