Happy Tuesday! It’s time for another edition of Tuesday Topics. This week’s Tuesday Topic: how do you stay mentally motivated during a long run? You can write about any running related topic. Remember to link-up with Kim and Zenaida and the bottom of this post!
The long run. I actually feel a little weird writing about this topic since my last double digit run was in the Fall. I’m currently enjoying a nice hiatus from long runs, but I still remember what motivated me to get through all my long runs, especially during marathon training.
What is your why?
First and foremost, you have to know why you’re doing the long runs – what’s the ultimate goal and how do you want to get there? This is the #1 thing I always come back to when I’m mentally struggling during a long run.
Food
This is the most obvious motivation for me. I don’t know about you, but the image of pancakes or a huge protein packed smoothie, got me through numerous long runs, especially in the summer. It’s almost like I considered brunch to be my medal at the finish line, lol.
Ice, Ice Baby
After most long runs, I enjoy either an ice bath or I will soak my feet in ice cold water. Granted, it’s not the most pleasant experience BUT it always helps my achy muscles, especially my feet. I usually think about this halfway through my run or when my legs and feet start to get a little sore.
Kinda wish I had one of these tubs!
Tell me: How do you stay motivated during a long run?
Join the Link-Up!
Topic for next week – How will you celebrate Global Running Day? Feel free to write about this or any running related topic. We hope you’ll link up with us!
Remembering my WHY is crucial, otherwise many of my long runs would end early. That said, I do find them empowering, but that usually happens after I finish LOL I’m both excited and apprehensive about my upcoming marathon (mid-September). I haven’t run farther than 13.1 miles in almost two years, and those 18-20 milers are tough.
My thoughts exactly! I always needed a reason to get up super early on the weekends to complete my long runs. I have no doubt that you’ll have a great marathon training cycle – I’m excited for you!
I have never taken an ice bath! I’ve also never run a marathon. 🙂
It’s been even longer for me since I ran double digits. My longest run last year was 9 miles, and it’s been a long time since I’ve run that long.
Food can definitely be a great motivator for me! I like your analogy to the medal. 🙂
The thought of even running 10 miles at this point makes me nervous – which makes me laugh since that used to be a “mid-distance” run for me in the past, lol.
Great ideas.
What is important. Gratitude too.
Mine is often food. In fact my friends pick the brunch location before we decide on where to run.
And ice is recommended for after. Not heat. But of course heat feels better. Lol. Hello hot tub.
Totally agree – gratitude is so important!
I have never thought of an ice bath – but I must admit, it does sound very appealing, especially after a hot long run!
The one thing I was looking forward to after my hot long runs was an ice-cold Coke. It kept me going on those last few kilometres.
I like how the long runs make us feel more confident when we’re at the starting line of a marathon. I keep that mental picture in mind and it helps me to get through the long runs.
I know that the ice baths don’t work for everyone but I noticed that they definitely help aid in recovery for my muscles.
I’ve never taken an ice bath…. but yes, ALL THE FOOD!
Also food just tastes so much better after a long run lol.
It has been more challenging with no race to train for. When I feel good, it is easier to stay motivated for a long run. Having a friend along for the miles helps me the most!
Running with friends is always a big plus!
Focusing on your Why is so important! Breaking a long run down into smaller segments and giving each segment a focus/goal also helps me to get through double-digit runs.
Breaking it down into smaller segments helps me too, especially for those 20 milers.
I’ve never done an ice bath, but I’m going to fantasize about it during my next long, hot run. I’m pretty sure the reality would actually be pretty painful though!
It’s definitely a shock to your system when you first put your legs in but your body will adjust to it pretty soon after!
I do not miss the ice bath! But I do remember feeling better afterwards.
Same! It’s definitely not as enjoyable as eating pancakes after a run but its so effective.