The Secret to Steady Progress in Running is To Stay Motivated
Everyone loves an expedition and running is just that. It is a journey that demands, dedication, persistence and most of all motivation. It is not just about putting a pair of trainers on and putting one foot in front of another. Motivation is the key to staying motivated in running. This applies whether you are new to running or have been logging miles over the years. What keeps you motivated? The answer lies in discovering your “Why”. Your why is the fundamental reason that drives you to lace up your shoes and to hit the road, day after day.
Find Your Why
Understanding your ‘Why” is the solid foundation of long-term motivation in running. Your why is not a goal like wanting to shed a few pounds or run a faster 5k. It is a much deeper purpose that gives meaning and significance to your runs, transforming them from an activity into a meaningful pursuit.
Understanding Your Why
What is it that truly motivates you? Why did you start running in the first place? What keeps you going on days when you’d rather stay in bed? Your “Why” is incredibly personal and unique to you. You might feel a huge sense of freedom when you are out on a run. Maybe you have started running to help with your mental or physical health.
You can improve your cardiovascular health, build muscle, and maintain a healthy weight by running. Some run for peace and to clear their heads, it is an escape from the stresses of everyday life. The sound and rhythm of their feet hitting the pavement sooths their mind. Being healthier and feeling you are achieving something is a strong incentive to run. You can feel a sense of accomplishment by setting and achieving goals like completing a half-marathon or breaking a personal best.
The Power of Purpose
You have identified your “Why” – so now when the going gets tough you have a source of motivation to draw upon. Running isn’t always easy, far from it. Some days you will feel tired, or the weather is not appealing, and you will struggle to get out the door. It is on these occasions when your “Why” serves as a reminder of the bigger picture.
If you are struggling during a run and your “Why” is to improve your health, take the time to remind yourself of the long-term benefits of each run. Maybe you are running to achieve a specific goal, visualisation is key here, visualise the satisfaction of crossing the finish line or reaching that new personal best. If inner peace is your motivation, focus on the calming effects that running has on your mind and body, and how it helps you cope with life’s challenges.
Your “Why” gives your running purpose beyond the immediate physical act of running. It is your “Why” that will keep you going when your enthusiasm for running starts waning. The sense of purpose you feel can transform running from an effort into something that you look forward to and get a sense of fulfilment from.
Harmonising Your Goal’s with Your Why
A crucial step is to align your running goals with your “Why”. You want your goals to be more meaningful. For instance, your “Why” is to improve your health, then you need to set goals that reflect that, set goals around gradually increasing your running distance, improving your pace, or consistently running a certain number of times per week. If your “Why” is to find mental clarity, your goals might focus on running regularly in nature or during times of day that help you de-stress.
Once you align your “Why” with your goals they become more than just targets to hit. They become stepping stones on your journey toward fulfilling your deeper purpose. This alignment also makes it easier for you to stay motivated because each run, no matter how small, is a step closer to something that truly matters to you.
Revisiting and Refining Your Why
As you grow and change as a runner your “Why” can evolve. Your “Why” is not static. As you progress in your running journey, take time to revisit and reflect on your “Why.” Has it changed? It is not unusual for running to become something different for you than it was when you started. It’s okay if your “Why” changes over time this is normal, what’s important is that it continues to resonate with you and keeps you motivated.
If you find your motivation waning, it might be a sign that it’s time to refine your “Why” or set new goals that align with your current mindset and circumstances. Perhaps your initial goal was to lose weight, and now that you’ve achieved that, you’re motivated by something different, like exploring different places on your runs or competing in races. Revisiting your “Why” can reignite your passion for running and help you stay on track.
Finding your “Why” will help you stay motivated in your running. This deeper sense of purpose fuels your desire to keep going, even when the road gets tough. By understanding your “Why,” aligning your goals with it, and revisiting it as you grow, you’ll not only stay motivated in running. You will also find greater fulfilment in every step of your running journey. The next time you hit the pavement, take a moment to remind yourself of your “Why”. Let it be the driving force that propels you forward.
