Someone unknown once said: “The race does not always go to the swift, but to the ones who keep running”. True words and ones that are as applicable to life, as they are to running. Running and life have the very same principle – you get out what you put in.
As with many areas of life however, we can still find ourselves lacking in inspiration and motivation from time to time. Whether these set backs come in the form of a drop in confidence, goals that seem too far off, or even just fatigue – they’re all reminders that we’re human. When it comes to running however, how can we summon that passion, motivation and inspiration to run when our pace has dwindled? Whether it’s a picture of us at our slimmest, motivational jewelry, or a reward we’ve promised ourselves – there is always something to help keep us going.
Never overlook the benefits
The benefits of running are enormous, so much so they alone can be inspiration enough. For many, losing weight is their main incentive to start running. Today a quick internet search on weight loss will land you in a sea of fad diets, fashionable exercise crazes and more than enough weight loss myths (10 of the biggest can be found in this guide by Licensed Prescriptions). With running, it’s simple. It’s free, it only requires you, and it’s guaranteed to help you lose weight. It’s a no nonsense fitness solution. A 30-40 minute moderate speed run can burn around 500 calories – so even two nights per week can make a substantial difference to your physique. It doesn’t just burn calories of course. Running has long been linked to having a healthier heart, lower blood pressure and less chance of a stroke. What’s more, because running strengthens the bones in your body as well as the muscles, there is less chance of suffering with osteoporosis as you age.
The mental benefits are equally fantastic. Many people that take a break from running miss these most of all, particularly what most of us know as ‘Runner’s High’. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, which decrease stress, anxiety and make us feel pretty fantastic to say the least. Never overlook the benefits of running or fail to acknowledge just how good it can make you feel.
Inspire Yourself
Even though running offers a vast array of benefits, there are weeks where even the prospect of losing a few pounds isn’t enough to persuade us to run. There are however numerous other ways to amp up your inspiration, motivation and determination.
- New Shoes: Every woman knows the impact a pair of shoes can have on the mind – they’re powerful things! In much the same way as a gorgeous pair of black patent leather heels can make you feel like an absolute vixen, a new pair of running shoes can make you feel ready for action. Put them on and feel yourself transform.
- Trinkets & Charms: It’s human nature to apply sentiment to trinkets and charms. All of us have coveted such objects in our lifetime – whether it was taking a lucky charm into an exam at college, or wearing a piece of jewelry we hold dear and associate with a loved one. Having a symbol that represents your determination to succeed can be powerful - a glance down at a motivational bracelet can push you that last half-mile.
- Realistic Goals: If goals and targets push you, don’t make them too far out of your reach. A collection of smaller, attainable goals will push you further in the long run, as opposed to unrealistic goals which will only serve to deflate you should you not reach them. If you want your running to have longevity, build yourself up gradually – as with life, it’s about the journey, not the destination.
- Run Free: As the saying goes “You don’t have to go fast, you just have to go”. Whilst hugely beneficial to some, regimented running routines can be off-putting to others. If your running routine begins to feel like more a chore than it does dedication, then it’s not going to help your motivation. Instead, cast aside time, distance, route and pace – and simply run. With no boundaries either side of you, there is no limit or failure; that in itself is encouraging.
- A Soundtrack: Music touches every single person in the world that is fortunate enough to be able to hear. If you don’t already, fill your mp3 player with plenty of upbeat songs and go running with it. Is it a great day for a run? Put ‘Beautiful Day’ on by U2 and feel elated. Is it stormy out? Play ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ and feel exhilarated as you tear through the elements. Create playlists with songs that make you feel unstoppable.
- A Mission Statement: Create a mission statement when you’re in a positive state of mind. This can be as simple as words on paper, or be accompanied with a collage of pictures. When your motivation to run is running low, refer back to it for inspiration – reading positive words you wrote when you were in a positive mindset can really help to reel you back into that headspace, more so than reading them elsewhere. Be strong, determined and inspired when you write it. No one else has to see it, so don’t worry about making it personal. Want to run your way to a slimmer ass? Tell yourself you do and how you plan to achieve it!
- Celebrate Your Triumphs: This is important, and not enough of us do it. Granted, running is its own reward, but why not congratulate yourself further? Associate your running with all round positivity and celebrate your achievements, big or small. Whether this is a trip to a spa after completing a marathon, or a one-of-a-kind piece of personalized jewelry from The Silver Maple – a personal triumph deserves recognition. Empower yourself.
“Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it”
― Oprah Winfrey
