Elite runners and athletes know that motivation can be planned, managed and master-minded. Motivation can go up and down, it is unpredictable. Some days you can smash a speed workout or a long-distance run. Others days just to get up and get going to run for a short distance can be challenging. One way to stay motivated is to set up a goal and a well scheduled training program. For some runners, this can be doable, depending on your personality type and life schedule. For others, having to follow a specific training plan on their own is not motivating enough to be able to push themselves when their motivation is low.
For most runners, being part of a great running group, having access to community runs, and having regular support from other runners can make an overall difference in their daily training and performance increase. Especially long-distance runners, to have support from other runners, to keep you motivated, help you achieve your goals and support you along the way can be a life changing experience.
Runners who can achieve their big goals always rely on multiple support networks:
Other runners– You need some running friends to keep you motivated and give you some guidance and advice.
Coaches or mentors– Having access to a coach or mentor (even by reading their books) can be very inspirational, another way of staying motivated.
Physical therapists, doctors, masseuses, even sport psychologists– Having physical and mental support from physios, doctors, or massage therapists can motivate you by taking care of your body, health and mind. This will prevent injuries, and de-motivation.
Spouse or partner– Every endurance runner need some kind of support from their spouse or partner. Otherwise, you can rely on a best friend.
Music– For some runners, listening to music while training or racing can make a huge difference, especially when your body and brain start to crash. When running long-distance races, to turn on your music halfway or ¾ into the race can have the same effect as a caffeine boost.
All these types of support make a big difference in increasing performance, fitness level, motivation and achieving your big goals. You have to make sure that you connect with runners, coaches, physios or any supporters that don’t cause any negativity or overwhelming pressure. You don’t want to partner up with runners that are more negative, criticize, or constantly add pressure to your daily life. Surrounding yourself with the wrong people can be more disastrous than being on your own.
Ways to Find Support:
Find a local running club– Road or Trail. Being part of a running club is always such a positive and motivational way to train.
Increase your running knowledge– Learning more about training skills or mistakes, better running and training strategies, can also be another way to get motivated and inspired by some incredible athletes and coaches. Read some great running books, attend running retreats, famous runners’ presentations, so you can learn more about running.
Books:
Born to Run by Christopher McDougall,
Run Faster by Brad Hudson & Matt Fitzgerald,
Brain Training for Runners by Matt Fitzgerald,
Field Guide to Ultrarunning by Hal Koerner,
North: Finding my Way While Running the Appalachian Trail by Scott Jurek,
Eat & Run by Scott Jurek.
Find a virtual community– With such easy access to social media, for runners who don’t have access to running clubs or running partners, you can find some great virtual running community groups, team up with running partners on Strava.
There are so many ways to find some kind of great support to help you find a goal, follow a training program and stay positive, happy and motivated while increasing your performance and fitness level!
GO, GO, GO!
Train Hard, Eat Right, Feel Great!