All runners from time to time will experience a lack of motivation. How we go about reigniting the flame can be challenging. If you had been training for a longer race and now the race is over, you might feel that a break is appropriate.  But if several weeks go by and you are still not feeling the urge to get back outside, you might need some help to light that spark. Sometimes you might find yourself in a rut. Same thing today as yesterday and tomorrow. Or if you’re just starting out, finding the motivation just to put one foot in front of the other can be daunting. So how does a runner find a way to stay energized?

First take a look at your training plan.  Is it possible you’re doing too much?  Are you mixing up your workouts i.e. Speedwork, tempo run and log slow runs? Running at the same speed for the same distance every workout will not help you improve as a runner. Each of the different kinds of workouts provide your body different benefits that we need as a runner to become a well-rounded runner.

Allowing some of your runs to be just fun ones also can inspire you to get out and see the world. Go to places that you haven't been to and discover new routes.

Join a running group and have fun with like-minded people.

Buying new clothes, watch, and especially new running shoes is a great way to stoke the flame for getting outside.

Joining an online running support group is another way to work through this feeling. Remember that pretty much every runner has been there so you could be speaking with the choir.

Listening to a podcast and reading running magazines can also motivate you.

Another way can be hiring a running coach or taking a running workshop. Finding out what slows you down might be adjusting the way you run, may just be the challenge you needed to get you back in those running shoes.

But, no matter what, know that your desire to run will come back.  You just need to figure out what your game plan will be to reignite the flame.   Check out the link below for some more motivation!

http://www.facebook.com/Run4LifeUSA/posts/1304772246288776:0