staying motivated

this has often been the toughest part of my running ever since the beginning. if you've read my blog any over the last year, you have probably noticed it. it's tough to keep the motivation up especially since running and training is really mental. it's easy to focus on the things that bring us down.

over the years, these are some things that have pulled me down.

1 - not so great fitness

2 - poor training results

3 - hot weather

4 - fatigue / stress

but when times are good, they are good. the feeling of being motivated, energetic and loving to run is one of the best feelings. i've learned it doesn't take much to get you there, you just have to get there. these are some ways i've been brought back up out of the running dumps.

1 - one good race or run - it only takes one good experience to get you fired up.

2 - a new gadget, outfit or running shoes

3 - a goal - race on the calendar

4 - motivated running partners

it doesn't take much to get you going in the right direction, you just have to find what that is exactly. the key is staying there!

right now i'm motivated, more than ever. why? i had a good marathon almost 6 weeks ago. i have great running friends. i'm seeing positive results in my training. i have a coach. now i just need to keep all this with me and keep moving forward as the toughest running time of the year is approaching.

what motivates you?