How do you motivate yourself to run when you feel lazy or tired?

Question

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Best Answer chosen by Vicky will win a Nike prize. See you at Nike+ Human Race on 31 August 2008!

Answer 1

I HATE running.  It is boring, tiring and not as fulfilling as other sports such as soccer or basketball.  But somehow, I do more running than any other sports...

Apart from all the mental psyching about (1) needing to lose weight, (2) wanting to look good, (3) exercising is good for the body etc etc, I make it more conducive to run.  This is how I got myself to run:

1.  Morning Runs - I realised that, personally, by the end of the day, the inertia to overcome becomes greater with the many excuses such as, "I am tired after a day's work" or "I still have work to do".  Hence, I reduce all these "inertia" by waking up earlier and going for a run.  I hate to admit it but it does get me more energised for the day ahead :p

2.    Be Realistic - I hate running.  I have to wake up earlier to get really tired and sweaty.  And do I want to kill myself doing it?  Set realistic goals for the runs.  It could be in the form of timing or distance.  Take it progressively and it could spur you on to run more/ faster as success builds on success.  The combo of hitting targets (running faster and further) and visible weight loss (from the weighing scales and freifnds/ colleagues) is by itself a great motivator.

3.  Be Patient - related to being realistic, patience is required.  Do not expect results overnight.  It could take up to two weeks (running three times per week) to see some weight loss.  It is easy to think that the runs were useless during this period.  But they are not!  Be patient - Press on!  Also, eat humble pie and start off with short distaces to get the body comfortable with running.

This was how I got myself to run.  I did not run more than 10 times in the whole of 2007 but now, I have to run (it could be any distance...just need to go out and get some fresh air) at least twice a week or I would feel "funny".  But I still hate running :p  Hope this helps :)

Answer 2

Has this contest ended? Anyway, i would like to share my views. :)

If anybody wants to run, being lazy and tired are just some excuses to avoid doing it. It is ALL IN THE MIND! If you want to do it, do it!

Since part of your mind wants to run, why not just take a short period of time and complete the run. You'll get a sense of achievement and glad you did so. It is also part of training one's mind.

"Mind over body".

Answer 3

First, we have to distinguish between laziness and genuine training-induced fatigue...and now, here are my answers...

The little, powerful inspirations:

Chiefly, the endorphin rush alone is something to look forward to.

Know what drew you to your sport in the first place. Your ‘first love’ always motivates.

The channelling of negativity can also help. Negative thoughts, if channelled/ converted properly, into physical movement, can be powerful.

The little things count too (such as the scenery of a pleasant training environment, or the feel of comfortable gear.)

Keeping a workout journal (and reflecting upon your own progress) can also be inspirational.

Genuine fatigue:

If your body is genuinely fatigued, like, if your body really has not recovered from a previous session, I would personally either – go for a light session (today) – or, if your body is really totally depleted, sit this one out and train another day.

Why? If you overdo it today – and if you take too long to recover - today’s efforts and instant gratification would, well, be not so gratifying later on.

Answer 4

I've been thinking about this same thing myself, and its funny that you ask.

I've come up with a solution but I haven't put it into the works yet.

Finding someone who wants to exercise also can motivate you to run, mostly because there also relying on you to run with them, therefore your somewhat obligated.

You might enjoy there company also.

:)

- a win, win situation you see.

Answer 5

If you are working and feeling lazy of tired but still want to, it would be preferable to go straight to the gym or any place that you want to exercise.

I used to tell myself that I will go home first, take a shower, changed and then proceed with my exercises.  But I found that it doesn't work because by the time I'm work and in a relaxed environment, I just feel lazy and don't want to step out of my cosy environment.

I then decided to change my schedule in that I would head for my exercise after work although I already feel tired after a hard day in the office. I started by warming up to 'boost' up my mind and proceeded with the exercises.  After finishing, I would take a shower, have a cold or hot drink before heading home.

When I reached home, my mind is fresh and spend time with my family.



I find that the above really works and some of my colleagues even joined me after work instead of heading home first.

You may wish to try out my method and I'm sure that it will work out for you.  Cheers.

Answer 6

If you are not geared to running, it's best you don't regiter for this type of run. Just jog in your neighbourhood park. I was away, came back but the registration was closed. So sad,

So far, this year, I have ran in Anlene Orchard Mile, Shape Run, RunNUS and have registered for GE 10km & Std Chartered Marathon. So what motivated me to run? Definitely not the prizes because I know I won't win, not the goodie bag because even if you don't run, you still get then goodie bag! To challenge myself would be quite a lame answer but I can't find better one.

When I'm tired or don't feel like training, I won't force myself to do on that day, no point, you just get more lousy, lost concentration and may even get injury. I unsually plan my training days, so that I can return home early, plan to eat something light first. I also do some mental preparation for the training - tell myself "it's going to be fun...".

Good if you can get some "kaki" to come with you so that you can motivate each other. But I prefer to train alone because I'm afraid my speed will slow down the others and my friends will feel bored with me.

I feeel mental preparation is impt, but no point if you don't take action. Once you step out of of this " should I?" or "should I not?" then everything shd be ok liao. Believe me, once you get your feet running, you won't feel  like stopping. If my lazy, " lots of excuses" hubby can now go running, why not the rest of us?

Good luck to all participants.  

Answer 7

I had lack of motivation to exercise for the past 2 years. My standard of fitness degraded till I failed my IPPT (Individual Physical Proficiency Test) & I had to attend RT (Remedial Training)

I really dreaded attending RT & my muscles hurt badly after my 1st training session. Because of my long break from my training regime. After one & a half months of training, my fitness seems to improve & I managed to pass my IPPT with incentives awarded.

My source of commitment : You will have to start somewhere. If you don't keep yourself fit, the government will keep you fit.

My source of motivation : Early knock off from work & my boss can do nothing about it, spending some time away from my naggy wife. Enjoy the exercises & prove that I am not that unfit.

My goal : I look good & feel good now. I want to keep it this way & I will not want to attend RT again.

Answer 8

Why force yourself to run when you are feeling lazy or tired. Is not life hard and stressful enough. U wont enjoy the beauty of running by forcing yourself. Dont run just because you want to lose weight too.

Running with the mindset to observe the beauty and creation around you and always tell yourself that want to run mainly is for enjoyment and relaxation. I think you will be more motivated and enjoy it better.It works for me. Don't be surprise the sport will stay with you for life.

Remember before forcing yourself to run when tired or lazy, you need to have the correct mindset. "Why you want to run"??

Answer 9

umm one way is to look into the mirror and convince yourself that you really look unfit and if you get fitter, not only will your health improve, but you'll look hot.

2nd, think about the future, you'll get health problems and everything if you dont exercise or run or whatever it is. think about how you're family will suffer if you're ill.

3rd, get a friend to force you to promise him or her to go running with him or her. obligations help.

4th, promise your god or best friend or lover or someone, if you love that person alot, you'll surely be motivated

Answer 10

There is only one best way to motivate yourself and finish a marathon even when you feel lazy or tired.At first, I will just run along with all the rest of the runners.Then I will find someone who's running ahead of me and keep pace with him or try to overtake him.Once I overtake him, I will look for the next runner who is slightly ahead of me and repeat the same thing again. This way, I'll be spur on and self-motivated to complete the marathon.

Kelvin

Answer 11

Put on your favourite running shoes and best looking running outfit, my choice is Nike off course. Tell yourself, if people can do it, so can you. Look at yourself, you look so nice in your running shoes and outfit, few more km to go........ don't give up. Monitor every km you have run, when you have completed 5km, another 5km to go, when have completed 8km, 2km to go. You can make it but don't give up yourself. I am looking forward for the upcoming Nike Human Race.  

Answer 12

Don't force yourself to run if you are tired. That's the body's way of telling you that you need rest. Ultimately only you can know if you're tired or just plain lazy.

If I'm lazy to run, I'll just tell myself that if I don't run, then I'll regret it when the weekend is over. That's because running gives us an endorphin boost that helps to regulate our moods. I just know I'll go back to work grumpy and miserable if I don't run.

I also swim, cycle, and practice taekwondo and western boxing but only running seems to give me the relaxation I need.

Another way is to imagine yourself flabby, wrinkly and depressed. If that doesn't scare yourself into running I don't know what will.

Answer 13

Running is a mental game. You must have a clear goal in running. Where is the destination, turning point and timing? Start with a short distance if you just begin to run and don't stress yourself too much with too much distance to cover.

Obviously the mood to run depends on what kind of day you have. But when you just ignore everything that had happens during the day and put on your running gear. I guaranteee that you will have a new perspective on what had happen or what kind of important decision you have to make in your workplace or school.

All it takes are your legs to take the road. Your mind you can leave at home.(just joking)

Answer 14

The most educated guests are:

1. Total Comfort: you can run and feel the same feeling as you are sleeping in comfort bed

2. Total Protection: trust your gear, it might safe you from hazard of nature

3. Total Durability: it may prolong your trust

4. Total Technology: it support all above results

You may see this in new US Army combat uniform and supporting gears.

These may motivate your mood other than max physical endurance and strong mind.

Answer 15

Motivate myself by

-having the goal in my mind and work and go after it yeah!!

For example, complete the race in 50 minutes.

-find a challenging competitor or a partner to run with so that I am motivated

For example, find a gorgeous girl who run fast so that i am more motivated to chase the girl and at the same time finish the race!! :P

-keep running even though it is at a slow pace as the main goal is to complete the race!!:D

-treat the race as a fun things where you run with lots of people, the atmosphere should be different and more vibrant!!

That's it!!!That's the way i motivate myself.

Answer 16

When I feel lazy and tired to myself then I think about my heart and says to myself that when my heart works 24 x 7 hours continuously and he never tired then how can I ?

And second thing is, I believe that if you spend your body energy in useful work then how much you spend your body energy, your body reflect twice time energy to you for doing more. Because there is the mental satisfaction.  

Answer 17

One of my hobbies is running and during my University life right now, I like running through whole of my university. I have had bad habit of lazy and tired of running once before; however, you should always say to yourself, " Go, go, go and keep the spirit up!" In addition, if I am tired of working or studying, then I need to take a nap first for about 30 minutes. After you take the nap for 30 minutes, I'm sure that you will have more stamina to start your running activity. Another solution is sometimes, you should change the environment of your running place. I believe it would be helping you alot for it. Once you change the environment, there is another power and stamina that will motivate you well. In addition, you need a friend who is having the same hobby like you, running. A friend will motivate you during the process of running. Believe it! I still keep this habit and for my experience until right now, I almost running every day. :)  

Answer 18

1. Do not plan your running after work/study/dinner/breakfast

2. Get a short term realistic goal eg. minus 1kg within 2 weeks

    instead of 1 month or a year wanting to minus 10kg.

3. Make a note for your improvement. eg write in a sticking paper

    and paste in your diary or organiser.

4. Reward yourself if you hit the goal of yours. eg. earthquake

    @ swenson

5. Feel lazy or tired, see your idol poster paste at the wall ;)

Answer 19

First make it as pleasant as you can, run with like-minded friends or a buddy who are/is accountable to you as you are to them.  If you prefer to run alone, ask yourself what would it take, on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being a "blah" experience and 10 being an "out of this world experience" to make every every running experience a 9 or a 10.  It could be running with an mp3 player, running with a top of the line running shoe, running with the best dry-fit running gear, running with an expensive sun glass (unless you're running at night of course).  Then do whatever it takes to up your running experience.  That way, you can motivate yourself.  And if all else fails, do what I do... whenever I just don't feel like getting out of bed, I tell myself that putting on my shoes is half the battle won. Just put on your shoes and you'll find that somehow, you'll get out the front door and the rest is relatively easy.

Answer 20

You must have a passion first in run, run is fun, is energetic and healthy purpose. Secondly you can invite the friends whom like run or already a regular runner to jog together. You can build your interest via participate the race events.

After all, the most important is run for fun, you will feel better every time after your sweat out.

Answer 21

Every day is a battle within to push myself to run. How I push myself to run is to tell myself every time that I just have to get started, after the first 5 min, the lethargy is all gone. I could listen to music or go where there are lots of other people are running, and get into the mood.

My health is my first motivating reason to run (most of my older relatives all suffer from all kinds of hypokinetic diseases) so my own kids can have a strong healthy mommy, second reason that keeps me going is to stop from putting on weight so I can feel good about myself and maintain a reasonable weight. My last reason is so that I can have more energy to do other activities with my friends like sports and going on holidays and enjoying sights on foot.

I say Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Don't waste a moment of it by procrastinating. NO REGRETS! Cheers!

Answer 22

For me I would start off slowly and achieve small goals. For instance if I have never run before, I would probably go for a 5 minute jog. Once I have achieved that the next time (a few days later or ever 1 week later) I would add 5 minutes. Then after I have achieved that I would add another 5 minutes etc etc.

The point is to set small achievable goals, and before you know it you would be doing 30 minute jogs every week without batting an eyelid :-)

The motivation factor kicks in when you know you can achieve those goals and it feels good to do so. Even if you feel lazy or tired, just put those running shoes on and go outside then there is no turning back as soon as you have locked the gate. Since you have put on the running shoes you might as well do your run.

The trick is to go through the motion and a different mindset will kick in. You force the body to lead the lazy or tired mind, then once you start running you mind can't help but to adjust to the new environment.

By the way the oxygen you gain from the run should wake your lazy or tired mind up and you will feel energetic afterwards and feel glad that you did your run.

Answer 23

In my opinion, nobody likes jogging. When you run, it makes you breathless, you feel tired, your mind start to have regrets on embarking the run, you feel pain around the knees, calfs etc.

But, somehow, the benefits of running just exceeds that of the drawbacks. Just tell yourself:

Running:

-Burn calories

-Trains your heart

-Prevents diseases

-Trains your stamina

-More self-confidence

-Achieve a Better Body

-Better Physical Appearance

I can go on and on.

Before I run, I will be very hesitant EVERY TIME. But when I think about the benefits, they are just too good to ignore. So I run according to my schedule and it works wonders.

Answer 24

The best motivation for me is to stand in front of my full length mirror completely naked.  If that doesn't make me wanna exercise, there is no hope!  LOL  Seriously though, I can look at the parts of me that I am soooo proud of making better.  I also get a harsh reminder of the areas that still need more work.  Running mainly improves my spirit.  It is so cleansing to get out there and detox all the stress and worry of my day.  I just channel everything that is on my mind into one burst of energy and run it off!  After finishing my run, I feel like a gladiator that just won their battle.  I also take pride in my self discipline.  Character is based on how we do the right things even when it isn't easy.  I think running and taking care of your body is a physical sign of how we value ourselves.  I am definitely a character!  =)  

Answer 25

Buy a pair of shoes that makes you feel you can fly - Wear it.

Brush mental protests aside and run.

When your muscles warm up and your adrenaline starts to pump, you would have forgotten about your initial protests.

By the time you finish your run with sweat streaming down a satisfied face, and as you treat yourself to a well deserved cool drink, you'll be wondering why you were reluctant in the first place.

The next time you want to run and feel tired, lazy or unmotivated again...

REMEMBER YOUR LAST RUN!

Answer 26

Basically, I will just get up and put on my running singlet or Tee. Once I'm in them, I will be motivated to go through the whole sequence of the workout, be it running or going to the gym.

And if I am in the middle of a long distance running event and I get tired, I will motivate myself by telling myself that I can do it, or by making the other runners my competitor and try to overtake them. Most of the time I will do the latter.

Answer 27

I think of my dream fit body and figure and the advantages of having it such as to be able to wear nicer clothes.I tell myself that I will never be able to achieve my dream figure and everything will just be a illusion if I don't get up and run now. It really works if I think of those who call me fat, how I should prove to them that they are so wrong and stop letting them be happy that they have a greater figure than me. Better still to play a mental movie of how that person call me fat, his or her proud expression, that stuck up face and how inferior I felt.All these reasons are definitely going to make me get up immediately and run no matter what.

Answer 28

you shouldn't run if you feel tired because requires energy. you can listen to some nice work-out songs with nice upbeat and fast rhythm that really makes u active and keeps u going   on your mp3 player, do some interesting and cool warm-ups before you run and run at the beach where you can feel the cool breeze on your face , enjoy the sea breeze and looking at the beautiful scenery after running...The beach is a great place to get fit and then u can bask in the sun and and have a nice swim as well...after all the weather is really hot...

i think in order to motivate ourselves to run, we need to choose an appropriate and right place, that is one important factor, another perfect spot is the mount faber, the view is mesmerizing especially if you're nature-lover. A lush area with so many nice trees at the side, plus it is very spacious and peaceful. in addition, u can enjoy a nice view of everthing at the faber point and not forgetting the fresh air....

Answer 29

You have to enjoy running to fulfill the full benefits from it.  Easlier said then done, but one you get the hung of it and you will get additied to running and might feel uncomfortable if you miss your regular runs.  Once at that stage, no motivation or pushing is required and you will be most willing to go for regular runs.  

Tell yourself for the first few times, to enjoy runnings to enjoy the full benefits from it... after which, it will be easy and becomes a part of your daily/weekly activities  

Answer 30

whenever i plan to go run on that particular day, i would told myself that it's for keeping fit and healthy and i would feel fresh after that. If i didn't go, the rest of the day i would feel uneasy and regret for not running. i would look at a picture of a sportman with nice figure and muscles comparing with a fat guy who cant even walk properly.These would motivate me to go for the run as we do not want to be the fat man. after the run i would rest for 1hour before treating myself to a nice meal. at least i have burn all my excess calories and i can eat with ease.

Answer 31

Hi,

Firstly, you have to know what kind of person you are when comes to sports – is it task oriented or ego oriented. Through this, you would be able to identify the purpose of participate in this run.

Before participate, there must be some kind of force that pushing you to join this run. And that force could be the motivation or goals. A few days before the actual run, you should have thought of the motivations that would push you when you feel like giving up during the process. Preparation is very important. There 2 kind of motivation- extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic could be monetary term (winning the prize money) and having the limited shirt from NIKE.  

Intrinsic motivation could be having a sense of satisfaction after completing the run, making new friends during the run, complete something beyond your limits (personal record), be part of the successful runners who complete the run, treating yourself a sumptuous meal after the run, telling myself completing this race would make me feel fitter and healthier.

Telling myself I can’t back out from this run, after running 6km how can I give up just like that. I just have to endure another 4km!!!!!!!!  I have complete 6km; another 4km is not a problem. Everyone else can do it, I can do it too!! Telling myself, if I stop running, my girlfriend/boyfriend will run away from me / one of my family members will die.

It is best if you have companion to run with you. Encouragement and motivation would be much more effective. If possible, bring MP3 along; listen to music while running is quite an enjoyment.

You might ask why do I have so many motivation- My answer is – It’s a 10km run, I would need more than 10 motivations to keep me strong enough to complete the run.

FEEL LAZY OR TIRED? Require lot of mental strength and determination.

Think positively and do not think about how much distance is left to cover.

Overall, I have to say that different people have different desires and thus different motivation is require and to have to find it out on your own.