Happy Tuesday! It’s time for another edition of Tuesday Topics.This week’s Tuesday Topic: How do you stay motivated to run? You can write about this or any running related blog post. Remember to link-up with Kim and Zenaida and the bottom of this post!
With everything going on this year, I think this topic is very timely. I’ll admit, at certain points over the last 6 months, I have lost my motivation to run. Here are a few things that help keep me active.
Sign up for a race or challenge
While there are no in-person races this year, there are plenty of virtual races and challenges available. I’m not the biggest fan of virtual races, but I think that picking a few and training for them can help give more motivation to run. Also it helps to know that everyone is in the same boat – we’re all trying to navigate fitness during the pandemic. Also, virtual races can be a great way to connect with other runners on social media. You can share training plans, photos, etc. One thing that kept me running this summer was the Hearts Across Connecticut Virtual Challenge. My mom and I teamed up with two friends to run the Double Border 1000K Challenge (2 loops of Connecticut). It was fun and a great way to help keep me accountable.
Set a monthly mileage goal
In August, I set a goal to run 100 miles. Because I set this goal, it gave me motivation to run almost every day that month to hit that goal. Sometimes we just need a goal in order together us off our butts and out the door to run!
Connect with your tribe
I always feel very fortunate to have my virtual running tribe – all of which are bloggers. Whenever I see their posts on Instagram and read their Weekly Run Down posts, it makes me want to go out and rock all my workouts, especially my runs.
Tell me: How do you stay motivated to run?
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Topic for next week – What speedwork do you incorporate in your running? Feel free to write about any running related topic. We hope you’ll link up with us!
I agree that having a virtual running tribe really helps! It’s so motivating to see that others have the same struggles as I do but just keep pushing through.
I have an annual goal I am working towards (2’600km for 2020) which keeps me motivated, too.
You and your mom have the same beautiful smile!
Agreed! I really love reading blogs every week because it motivates me to do more, and it’s nice to see what everyone is up to.
Awwe, thanks! We’ve been told a lot that we have the same smile lol.
Yes, 2020 has been one gut punch after another, and the cancellation of (virtually) all the races has hit most of us hard. Having a tribe to receive support and encouragement from is crucial, especially during times such as these. I would never have embraced the virtual races during any other time, but those races (and the fellow virtual racers) has provided such a nice twist to all the 2020 turmoil.
I agree – I feel like 2020 makes us think of things a little bit differently, especially in terms of virtual races.
A very appropriate topic for the times! As you know I’ve been struggling with my run mojo lately, so I’m thinking it’s time for another challenge. Congrats on the Double Border Challenge!
Yup – totally understand! My run mojo comes and goes. For instance, yesterday’s 45 minute run felt like it took forever and then today my running portions during the bootcamp class felt easy – go figure!
The mileage goal doesn’t motivate me, but I’m totally with you on the first suggestion, obviously!
A,ways great to connect with our tribe & see what everyone’s up to, too.
For sure! I love reading blogs every week to see what everyone is up to. It also makes me feel more connected to everyone since we’re not able to connect in person.
It is definitely challenging to stay motivated to run these days! I think training for a virtual race or challenge is great! I do get inspired by my friends on Instagram too!
One of the best things about social media is the ability to connect with so many runners around the world. It’s a great way that I stay motivated!
I agree with you totally.
Glad you’re part of my virtual tribe.
Totally agree, and hope we can meet up again at a race in 2021 (fingers crossed).
Oh, the online tribe is so important. I love connecting with all of you so much.
Same here! The online tribe always keeps me motivated 🙂
Between the heat, humidity and injuries this summer I admit it’s been a challenge for me. I hope the cooler fall temps have me more motivated to run
I am hoping for more running motivation in the Fall as well. That should help power me through my virtual races next month (fingers crossed).
You’re spot on with this post! That’s how I’m surviving this month! I started a Spring Challenge (running 9km a day for 9 days) and got others to join in. That’s just ended and now I’m pushing for 200km in mileage for the month. So sometimes staying motivated is really finding things to just keep you going!
I love that you got others to join you for the Spring Challenge!
I have similar tips too! And yes on connecting with your tribe! Every week I love reading everyone’s week. We’re all going through this together and we can cheer and support everyone in their ups and downs.
Same here! I feel like we’re all in the same boat so it’s great to connect with people online.