After a really decent night’s sleep, I was pretty excited to get back in bed out for my run this morning. It wasn’t a long one, just a bit to keep the legs loose before my 13.1 this weekend. Today’s run was refreshing, to say the least. Every week I strive for at least 2 runs on my own- just “for fun,” or at least without a specific goal in mind. This week has included 3 of those and I’d be the first to admit they weren’t long, just long enough to wake up my legs. Although I was feeling pretty refreshed, I needed a little bit of motivation to get out the door. On a day like today, I noticed that I have some very specific motivators to run. Mine are completely different from yours, or your super amazing compeititve bboyfriends, or anyone else, for that matter, but I thought I’d share mine because they’re simple and I think everyone should look for their simple motivators for thsoe days when you just don’t. want. to. run. Here are a few of mine:
Nothing like the Espalande along the Charles in the morning...
1. Git Your Shoes ON. I don’t know if this is a mental sticking point or what, but I’ve even had my jersey, shorts and hat on and still procrastinated getting out the door. As soon as those shoes are snug on my feet I have a hard time sitting back down. For me, the morning routine of “wake up, shirt, shorts, shoes”- disables any thinking that might cause me to slow down and procrastinate.
A local favorite running route- around Fresh Pond.
2. Know Where to Go. Granted, I do love maps… but that’s not what I mean. What’s your favorite aspect of a run? Is it a particular route? It is specifically NOT a route? Do you like to run where you haven’t been before? Do you like to (as I do, immensely) run near water? Or on trails? Find something that excites you. Plan for it too- determine where you’re going the night or morning before the run and you’ll find you’re much more motivated because there’s less THINKING involved once you, you know, see #1.
3. Weather the Weather. This is a cheat. I can’t control the weather and motivators ought to be controllable… but I can say that it’s a huge motivator for me and it certainly was today. If you’ve met me even once you probably know this about me- I love the rain.
Just thinking about running though "this" makes me smile.
Granted, not everyone does, and for a lot of people I know this is a hindrance. But for me, it’s one of those “raison d’etre” or more aptly, “raison de courir.” I use this to my advantage though- I never let myself miss out on running in my favorite weather- even if it’s just overcast, I’ll try to get out… This works less well when it’s sunny and 90 but hey, that’s probably why I didn’t write about this this summer 
I would say, and I’m not one to suggest I’ve got all the answers, but give it a try. Running in “bad” weather can be alright! Especially if you go out with the attitude, “well, at least I’m running. This doesn’t have to be fast or aggressive, just go.”
4. Earn a Reward. I am still working this one out but I do know that I feel fantastic after I finish a run, even a short one. I don’t need to tell anyone 
who’s ever finished a workout how accomplished you feel even for just a few minutes. A way to increase that feeling is a little celebration- whether it’s at the end of the run (Peach or chocolate Mix1 perhaps?) or the end of the week of 3 awesome runs (massage?).
What about you? What’s a simple motivating factor for you to just get your feet on the ground and running, swimming, paddling, cycling?
For me, it’s definetly sticking to a routine. I try to run every other day without fail. I find when I start missing days, that’s when I run into problems.
Also, I agree with having goals. I’m coming off of an injury, so I’m starting on the treadmill for a few weeks, then I’m going to start running outside. Not sure if I’m game for any races (mid-thirties, two kids, weekends are usually packed jam packed, but in a good way) but we’ll see.
Great post!
Getting your shoes is a great one. If I can just get my headphones and shoes on, I’m in. Also, this is way more intense but…I often think about people who don’t have the ability to run. People who are paralyzed or have any other handicap that makes it so they can’t walk or run. “Courtney you have healthy legs! Stop whining and go!”. Intense I know but seriously when I’m tired after three miles and then I realize I’m being a big huge baby because I have strong healthy legs … makes me think twice about complaining at all.