I started a pandemic running habit, but
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Anonymous
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I've lost all motivation.
I've never stuck to an exercise program for this long (I usually quit after a couple of weeks). I'd really like to keep it going, if I can. I'm pretty sure that if I take a break, I'll never get back to it (judging from my history), but I had a really, really hard time staying motivated for the last couple of runs and each one felt interminable and so, so, hard. How best to get back on track? I've been able to talk myself into it over the last week but not sure how long I can keep that up. PLEASE HELP me stay on track. |
Anonymous
| Christmas and Thanksgiving and the dark and cold have sucked all my wind out of running. SOOOOOO COLD. I replaced it with yoga. So, I'm no help, just empathizing. |
Anonymous
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A few ideas:
(Plan to) Sign up for a 10k for this summer. A goal can help. Use a 10k training plan for your workouts. Find a running buddy or two. You could also try a local running club for a weekly run. Listen to podcasts or audiobooks while out running. Go at the same time everyday. I do best running before 7am. Don’t think about it, just go. Remember that even if it feels really hard right now, if you keep at it, you will be feeling really great within the month. |
Anonymous
| What time do you go? If you can get it over with first thing in there morning, that’s best. Treat yourself to a few shorter, easier runs if you’re not feeling it. Don’t run every day. Find some new routes. Invest in some good cold-weather running gear so the weather can’t be an excuse. |
Anonymous
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When I first started running I would have motivation problems. I’d be doing whatever and know I had to go for a run but kept procrastinating. So I would just tell myself “all you have to do right now is change into your running clothes and put on your sneakers. You don’t actually need to do the run right now. ” That was simple enough for me to do and usually worked to get me ready to run.
Once dressed for the run, it was a lot easier to head out the door and just do it. |
Anonymous
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I've started a pandemic biking habit, so a little different but I hear you on the motivation. Like a PP said, get clothes you can wear in the cold. I invested in cold weather workout clothes and it really helps. In the past, I wouldn't have done that for myself. I'm so glad I did.
Also, just get out there early. It is so easy to talk yourself out of it but you feel so much better afterward. |
Anonymous
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Right there with you. The two recommendations I have are:
1) Get a running gadget, or new running clothes or shoes. I got a running watch for Christmas for tracking my runs and it helped me get out the door for the first time in two weeks. New shoes, warm running tights, gloves, etc. might also help. 2) Watch Britney Runs a Marathon on Amazon. I know, cheesy. But it actually really helps get over a hump! One thing that movie helps me think about is how low the bar is for something to count as a run. When I'm really unmotivated, I just do a 1-2 mile run and run as slow as I can. Like I force myself to the slowest pace I can possible go and still count as running. This is how the main character in the movie runs all of her first runs. Usually by about halfway through my run, my motivation kicks in and I can pick up the pace and finish strong. But setting the bar extremely low helps get me out the door. And the nice thing about short runs is that you can be out and back in 20 minutes or less, which also helps me motivate. Good luck! Your post has motivated me to go out for a run after I finish work today, so that's something! |
Anonymous
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I am regular runner and even I am having a little bit of a hard time getting out there in the cold. Ultimately I always end up doing it, but like another poster mentioned, I find myself procrastinating and moving slow in getting ready.
I just don't love running in the cold. But having the right gear is key. And having a gaiter mask has also helped. Like someone else said, the best is doing it first thing in the morning. Get it out of the way and then you can do whatever for the rest of the day. Another tip is to set everything out the night before. Set up the coffee, etc. Make it as easy as possible so you dont lose motivation. Winter running is hard, don't beat yourself up. One thing I can guarantee you is that you will never regret that you decided to work out once you start. Hang in there! |
Anonymous
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the hardest step is the first step
Sometimes its good to set mini goals on your overall run, like if you want your overall time to be a 9 minute mile average, you may say "can I do the next minute at an 8:45 pace, which gives some grace to slow down late Sometimes even my favorite songs aren't great running to, but something like Rocky's theme music is good. If you don't have the motivation to run at a 6 mph or 7 mph, its ok to just go at 4 or 5 mph and see if that gets you going. If all else fails, its ok to take a rest day or a few days off. |
Anonymous
| I finally gave in to the idea that I hate being cold and got a spin bike to try to keep up the fitness in the winter months. Maybe not the answer you hoped for. |
Anonymous
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I started running this May and was very consistent up until last week. I felt burned out and slightly depressed. Don’t know if the depression made me not want to go out or not running made me depressed. What worked for me is to write the whole week off and resolve to start again on Monday and run easier. I was overly ambitious with my pacing in speed work and I would dread doing the workouts and then when I couldn’t hit my pace, I would feel depressed. I started again on Monday with a lot of grace for myself. Feel much better already.
Long term, I am using the Peloton app and that’s hugely motivating to me—both the instructors and the challenges and badges. |
Anonymous
| You don't need motivation. You need discipline. Plan when in the day you're going to run and then just do it. Make it a non-negotiable part of your day, like working. Do you have to be motivated to do your job? |
Anonymous
| Tell yourself you just have to do 10 minutes then you can come home. You’ll probably want to go longer, but if not—at least you’ve done 10 minutes! |
Anonymous
Not the OP, but yes. Obviously. That's why they have to pay me. |
Anonymous
OK, fair point, but my point is, you have to make this another thing you have to do that you may not like to do. Like laundry or dishes. |