{"id":91,"date":"2021-05-21T09:35:57","date_gmt":"2021-05-21T09:35:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.joggo.run\/?p=91"},"modified":"2024-01-22T13:18:13","modified_gmt":"2024-01-22T13:18:13","slug":"how-to-keep-running-motivation-while-training-for-a-race","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-keep-running-motivation-while-training-for-a-race\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Keep Your Running Motivation Up While Training for a Race"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Getting out for a run can be a mental battle. Some days, you just don\u2019t feel like it. But there are things you can do to make this whole internal struggle less of a battle. <strong>You can get your run done with or without running motivation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we explore how you can motivation to run, no matter what!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_56_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >In This Article:<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-keep-running-motivation-while-training-for-a-race\/#mental-preparation-is-it-necessary\" title=\"Mental Preparation: Is It Necessary?&nbsp;\">Mental Preparation: Is It Necessary?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-keep-running-motivation-while-training-for-a-race\/#maintaining-running-motivation\" title=\"Maintaining Running Motivation\">Maintaining Running Motivation<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-keep-running-motivation-while-training-for-a-race\/#tip-1-start-with-a-plan\" title=\"TIP #1: Start With a Plan.\">TIP #1: Start With a Plan.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-keep-running-motivation-while-training-for-a-race\/#tip-2-run-with-others-or-run-with-a-goal-in-mind\" title=\"TIP #2: Run With Others or Run With a Goal in Mind.\">TIP #2: Run With Others or Run With a Goal in Mind.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-keep-running-motivation-while-training-for-a-race\/#tip-3-share-your-plans-with-family-and-friends\" title=\"TIP #3: Share Your Plans With Family and Friends.\">TIP #3: Share Your Plans With Family and Friends.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-keep-running-motivation-while-training-for-a-race\/#tip-4-have-a-disaster-recovery-plan\" title=\"TIP #4: Have a Disaster Recovery Plan.\">TIP #4: Have a Disaster Recovery Plan.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-keep-running-motivation-while-training-for-a-race\/#tip-5-cross-train\" title=\"TIP #5: Cross-Train.\">TIP #5: Cross-Train.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-keep-running-motivation-while-training-for-a-race\/#tip-6-listen-to-your-body\" title=\"TIP #6: Listen to Your Body.\">TIP #6: Listen to Your Body.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-keep-running-motivation-while-training-for-a-race\/#key-takeaways\" title=\"Key Takeaways\">Key Takeaways<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"mental-preparation-is-it-necessary\"><\/span>Mental Preparation: Is It Necessary?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ve probably heard it before: <strong>mental preparation is just as necessary as physical preparation<\/strong>. If you believe you are going to perform horribly, you probably will. If you think you\u2019ll succeed and hit a personal best, you will likely do it\u2014or at least get pretty dang close!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mentally preparing for a race is just as important as all the <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/best-running-training-methods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">training<\/a> that takes place. You want to feel confident and excited to start so you would be able to go the distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you ever feel you might not want to go for a run, or \u201cmaybe\u201d you will, there\u2019s a great chance that you won\u2019t. Visualize and plan this event mentally so that you can make it happen when the time comes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Many coaches and elite athletes use visualization<\/strong> to help them prepare for the next big competition. When you can imagine the victory, it\u2019s more likely to occur in real life. Plus, you can\u2019t always count on the spur of the moment feelings.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, how can you stay motivated?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"maintaining-running-motivation\"><\/span>Maintaining Running Motivation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s the thing: <strong>you can\u2019t always rely on motivation. It won\u2019t always be there.<\/strong> But you can rely on your self-discipline and willpower. It means saying or writing down that you\u2019re going to do something and following through with it. It sounds easy enough, but it\u2019s something many of us find very difficult to implement. Luckily, we have a few helpful tips!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"tip-1-start-with-a-plan\"><\/span>TIP #1: Start With a Plan.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning usually means it fits in your schedule, and thus, it\u2019s more likely to happen. We recommend penciling in those runs and sticking to your plan as much as you can. It can ensure you stay on track every step of the way throughout your training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"tip-2-run-with-others-or-run-with-a-goal-in-mind\"><\/span>TIP #2: Run With Others or Run With a Goal in Mind.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Running with others holds you accountable. They are going, so why shouldn\u2019t you? If this isn\u2019t possible, try running with a goal in mind. Working towards something can be incredibly motivating and can also help you stick to your plan when motivation is failing you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"tip-3-share-your-plans-with-family-and-friends\"><\/span>TIP #3: Share Your Plans With Family and Friends.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sharing your plan gives you accountability. What if your co-workers ask how your Saturday run was? What if your family sees you not following through on your promises to yourself? You\u2019ll be more likely to head out on that run if you let others know about your plans beforehand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"tip-4-have-a-disaster-recovery-plan\"><\/span>TIP #4: Have a Disaster Recovery Plan.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We get it. Life happens. Some days, you just can\u2019t control when everything starts going wrong. Emergencies happen and are, unfortunately, often unavoidable. It\u2019s essential to have a back-up disaster recovery plan. If you don\u2019t get out on that run on Saturday, when will you do? Plan it! Decide if you will go on Sunday or Monday instead.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"tip-5-cross-train\"><\/span>TIP #5: Cross-Train.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t feel like running? Why not <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/your-guide-to-cross-training-how-it-benefits-you-as-a-runner\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cross-train<\/a> instead? Perform a quick 20-minute <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/proven-benefits-of-interval-training-for-all-ages-and-how-hiit-works\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HIIT<\/a> session or head to the gym and pump out some iron. These aspects are also important when it comes to training for that next race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"tip-6-listen-to-your-body\"><\/span>TIP #6: Listen to Your Body.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t push yourself beyond what it\u2019s capable of. You don\u2019t want to burn out. Listening to your body is a great way to avoid this. If you\u2019re feeling tired, don\u2019t try to muster up the motivation. Take a day off.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"key-takeaways\"><\/span>Key Takeaways<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Running motivation won\u2019t always be there for you, but you can find ways to maintain discipline. When all else fails, it also pays to have a back-up plan. You\u2019ve got this!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Key Takeaways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/running-inspiration-quotes-and-top-tips-to-stay-motivated\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mentally prepare<\/a> for each race.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plan out your training on your calendar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tell others of your plan to increase accountability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have a back-up plan to use when needed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you don\u2019t feel like running, cross-train instead.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Always listen to your body!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Getting out for a run can be a mental battle. Some days, you just don\u2019t feel like it. But there&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":92,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"8","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,15,8],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/91"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=91"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/91\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3163,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/91\/revisions\/3163"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/92"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=91"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=91"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}