Summer on the Run Part III:
Getting Motivated to Get your Run on!

By: Humberto Hernandez, B.A
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It is 7:00 am, you hear that familiar wake-up call in the form of your radio alarm clock telling you to rise and shine……and you hit snooze. Your running shoes wait. The morning comes and goes. Your running shoes wait. Dust is beginning to collect on the shoelaces. It is now the evening and the weather is cool and refreshing… perfect time for an evening run, right? So why can't you get out the door? Today was supposed to be your first run of the season.

Lack of motivation hinders many runners for different reasons. It could be due to poor performance or feeling like you have hit a plateau and can't seem to reach that next level. Sometimes running feels redundant but don't fret; there is hope! Both short-term and long-term motivations are necessary to keep you logging in miles consistently. Below are some tips to keep your training regimen fresh and increase your short-term motivation, with the idea that working repeatedly on short-term motivation can increase you motivation in the long run (Anderson, 1996).

Tips:

1. Make a run your reward- Have you ever had a P.E. coach tell you to take a lap for punishment? No more! Turn your run into a reward for that A on your last exam or accomplishing a big project at the office.

2. The more, the merrier- Your run can be the highlight of the day when you can enjoy some good time with a friend, pet, or significant other.

3. Explore new terrain- The Palouse is full of scenic trails. Make time to take a road trip in search of new running trails.

4. Add extra fun to your run- have a water balloon relay, Speed Golf, go for a pool run (run to a pool and back). Use your imagination!

5. Use running as a time to focus on your breathing, check in with yourself, become more aware of the sensations that arise in your body as you run, and leave the stress of the day behind.