Help! I need motivation to get out the door and run!?

Question

I need some serious advice. I am having a terrible time trying to get into a running routine. I even bought myself a great pair of running shoes and had my feet looked at and everything. I just lack motivation. I want to a be a great runner but I can't even get myself out the door! I always find something that distracts me or I'm exhausted after a day at work. Im not trying to do it to lose weight, I want to have a stronger body. I have been through an illness and some serious surgeries that have left me out of shape because of the lack of exercise over the past three years. I'm finally better for the most part, but i just cant get myself out there running. I want advice from everyone, from the new runner to the ultra-marathoner if possible!Thank you so much!

Answer 1

Do you have a dog, dogs are always great running companians for running and so is a good friend. If you have a friend that already runs that would be great cause he/she would do a great job with motivating you to run. Also a friend that has similiar goals to you with running would be great as well to run with.

Making goals that you can easily reach such will also encourage you. Give yourself rewards if you attain a goal such as if I run 2 miles today I am going to go to the movies with my friends if not than I won't. You need someone to help you with your goals though. So if tell your friends and if you didn't run than they won't let you go to the movies with them. It may sound harsh but making goals is a great way to help you get out the door. Try buying yourself a CD that you really want and than only listen to it while you are running.

Since you are just getting back into running don't push it to hard to fast maybe just start off with some biking or swimming than work your way back onto the pavement.

Pick out a nice 5k race in your area that will be going on in about 3-4 months and aim to race in it.

Best of luck

Answer 2

Join a running club and you will be able to find some compatible running buddies.  Go to some running websites and join their forums, they help you to motivate to run as well.

Put out your shoes, shorts, waterbottle, etc by your bedside to be reminded of going out for a run.  I keep a journal and record my runs, good or bad and look back at them now and then and that helps me too.  Yes, I do buy myself cool running things to keep me going, like funky running socks, gels, shirt or whatever.

http://www.runningmania.com/index2.php

http://www.runnersworld.com/channel/0,71...

Just remember what you have been through the last few years and what your about to conquer- a journey as a fit and healthy runner.

Keep running :)

Answer 3

look for a better reason to run. Me personally I am going to do xcountry for my HS this coming season, but I couldn't seem to get out and run, then my boyfriend said he was joinning to so we both stay in shape for basketball, so all summer we are trainning together. If you have an MP3, use that to get yourself pumped, before and during. Watch movies about people who have done great running thing, and it will make you want to run.

But, your best bet is to run with a friend, or pet, to keep you company.

GOOD LUCK, and have fun. There is no sense in doing something you don't enjoy, there are many ways to build a stronger body, so don't think that running is your only option, maybe it isn't for you. Do something you enjoy

Answer 4

You mentioned that you are too tired after work.  While you are new at running if it is possible try to run before work.  It is a great feeling and you are energized for the rest of the day.  And like everyone else said run with someone else if you can.

Answer 5

You definitely need to run with someone else, this way there is no slacking off. Just find someone, anyone, who wants to run or already runs and I'm sure they would probably be happy to have company on their run.

Answer 6

Go on your first run and be sure to tell people about it.  Let them know that you plan on continuing to run.  This way you sort of feel like you have to.  Worked for me.

Answer 7

Running with a dog can help, he or she will make you get out and run. Barrow a neighbor's/friend's dog if you do not like the idea of having a dog of your own.

Or you could run with a human buddy, they will motivate you by coming over and dragging you out of your house.

Answer 8

1) Get off the treadmill and run outside. I like running outside because you see different things and you have a real sense of accomplishment because you actually travelled somewhere. (Because on a treadmill, you're limited to looking at walls).

2) Reward yourself afterwards. I usually do this with FOOD! I love food haha. I try to eat something healthy like a banana right afterwards but I usually have like a piece of cake or a candy bar or something along that nature about an hour after your run. Or find something else you love and reward yourself like that.

3) Listen to music when you run. I have to listen to music when I run (then I don't hear my hard breathing haha). I try to have upbeat songs for the most part, especially when you are just starting but through in some slow songs during the longer runs. (I don't know if it works for everyone, but I go faster with upbeat songs and slower with calm songs...so just mix things up and see what you think.) Oh, and when I'm running sometimes a good upbeat song will come on and I'll dance when I'm running. It's pretty much the funniest thing ever haha.

Good luck and have fun!

Answer 9

I like to run in the morning..once I'm up and had a little food I'm out the door..this way you have no excuses and you don't have to worry about it all day.. getting some upbeat music to listen to while you run also helps..also if you get a goal or a running quote to hang somewhere where you can see it you will be reminded why you want to be out there running

Answer 10

Well my motivation,as well as many other runners, is Steve Prefontaine. There are to movies about him "without Limits" and "prefontaine" there is also a book "Pre".Watch the movies or read the book,and I promise youll just wnat to get up and run..I watched th emovie at about 1am..and i jsut wnate dot run so bad after..haha..but I waited until daylight..

Pre was a great runner, because he had an unhuman tolerance for pain.

Answer 11

watch  Without limits  or  running brave

without limits is online free on youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49uD1yGcU...

Answer 12

if you have a dog, maybe you could go running with them. It's a win-win situation. You'll be happy and they will be happy. I know it doesn't take a runner to tell you this but just imagine how good you'll feel once you actually do it. For me, the first time is always the worst but after you keep doing it, it becomes a routine and you just can't stop. good luck!