Finding the MOTIVATION!

Say No to negative thoughts!

Blocking out all negative thoughts can be difficult, but to find the motivation you need to visualise a positive image. Visualization plays a huge role in becoming more confident. Before you start to train or go for a run try picturing yourself crossing the finish line, feeling that sense of achievement, reaching your goal. This will remind you why you are doing this and you will have a better training session.

“Spend at least some of your training time, and other parts of your day, concentrating on what you are doing in training and visualizing your success.”
-Grete Waitz

Setting goals

Set up running goals you can work towards. You can monitor your progress; it will help you to become enthusiastic to do a little bit more in every training session. Remember to be realistic and set goals that are achievable, but challenging.

Mix it up!

Doing the same old run or training session day in day out can become very boring! So why not mix it up a bit, be creative! Change your route, try running somewhere different. Set a different day challenge, adding some speed and hills to your workout.

Buddy System

Finding a partner or a group to run with will greatly improve your motivation. Run with a partner or a group, runners that you are compatible with. Running with others makes time fly by! It’s more exciting and you can even challenge one another.

Music

Studies have shown that listening to music during exercise can improve results, both in terms of being motivated and avoiding negative distractions like fatigue! 

The secret to finding the right music is all down to the number of beats per minute in the song. Running to a faster B.M.P can help you to run faster and keep motivation levels high throughout the run. 

The New York Times featured a great article on music motivation, while

Running.about.com has a great playlist that can get you pumped.

Run for Charity

A great way to get all motivated is running for a charity you’re passionate about.

Its a way to raise money for a great cause and will also keep you focused and determined to continue on. 

If you are considering running for a charity why not run for Barnardo’s and ensure some of the UK’s most vulnerable children benefit from your race.

 

What gets you all motivated to go? Have you got any tips or advice?

 Why not share your thoughts and comments below.

 

Thanks for reading! Nickita