How to Re-Discover Motivation for Running

We might be ashamed to admit it, but sometimes we lose motivation to run even when it is one of our favorite activities. Sometimes we can't seem to muster the drive that will get us out the door for that long run, or set of mile repeats. Fluctuations in motivation for running are natural, but unfortunately for many people these fluctuations turn into long periods of not running altogether. Unfortunately, these periods away from running may last a few weeks, months, or even years. The longer the lay-off, the harder it is physically and mentally to work your way back into shape.

You don't have to throw your running shoes into the closet every time that you feel like your motivation is slipping. Here are five tips that will keep that fire burning when your motivation goes south.

#1 Mix it up. Change the amount of time you run. Change the pace of your training. Find new routes. Anything you can think of that will get you out of a rut and back on the road.

#2 Take the challenge. Search out a challenging goal that you've always wanted to achieve. Maybe you've always wanted to run a marathon, or maybe there is a specific race that you've always wanted to enter but didn't for some reason. Find a goal that gets you excited and go after it!

#3 One is the loneliest number. If you are used to running solo you should try finding a training partner. You'll benefit not only from the companionship, but also from the accountability of meeting your running buddy on a regular basis.

#4 Off to the races. There is nothing like going to watch a race to get fired up. Seeing the competitors racing from the sidelines will get your juices flowing. If there are no close races, watch one on T.V. and help boost the ratings of an underappreciated sport!

#5 Toss the training plan. If you are following a training plan and you dread the upcoming workouts, you will lack the motivation to get off the coach and train. Take the training plan and change it. Better yet, burn it. Go out and just run. Don't wear a watch or run a specific course. Just jog around until you feel like running is fun again.