How can I be more motivated during track season?

Question

I actually did ok this year during track season, considering that I developed shinsplints during tryouts. But I know I didn't try my best, because before my races I'd always get really nervous and I'd say "No, I can't do this." And while I was running there would be a voice in my head saying "C'mon, you're not good enough for this, might as well drop out now; you're just not as good as everyone else."

But I know that running is my sport...I love it so much, and I know that I'm a runner and that running is for me. I feel that my coach doesn't really like me because 1) I'm not doing cross country (which I might do after this coming year) and 2) I always have that voice in the back of my head, and that really affects my performance.

How can I be more motivated overall, and what can I do to get better and try my hardest? Thanks so much.

Answer 1

Punish yourself if you don't do it.

Answer 2

to motivate urself just remember that running is something u love and its u and every time u hear that voice thats telling u that u cant just dig deep and over come it.. I believe running is me and i love it so much and to motivate myself i just say over and over i will b a track star and i will succeed  no matter what and that always makes me put my head up and run harder give it all i have and prove nay sayers and even myself wrong.. so just believe in yourself because yourself is the only person who's going to take you to the top.

Answer 3

I had shinsplints during pre-season too. I feel for you.

Try running for someone or for a cause. That really helps me. I think of a friend who's having a tough time in their life, and I say to myself, "This is for________. I'm going to run this for her/him." And that voice inside your head? It's nerves. And nerves are never right. Get mad at the nerves. Tell them to shut up, because you ARE going to do this, and you're going to give the other lanes some major competition.

I'm a freshman, and I am on varsity, tier 1. I run against some of the best seniors in CA. It helps to run for a reason, not just to run.