Striders’ tips to stay motivated
Article by Selby Strider Nick Winn
Whilst the mornings may be getting lighter, the temperature has dropped again. Running during the colder, darker months can be challenging. Staying motivated is key to maintaining your routine and achieving your goals. We asked our members to share their top tips for staying on track through all conditions. Here’s what they had to say:
Organise a run with other people
“100% organising a run with other people! A challenge also motivates me to get up and out – #doubleloopallweek.”
Running with friends not only makes your workout more enjoyable, but also keeps you accountable and motivated. Challenge yourself to a group run, and you’ll be more likely to show up and give it your all. Or better yet, join one of our training runs!
Focus on the feeling of accomplishment
“The feeling at the end outweighs the feeling at the start!”
Set yourself achievable goals and focus on the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel once you’ve completed them. These can be small goals (i.e. running a certain distance, adding an extra hill rep or beating your personal best time on a tempo run) or long-term goals that you know your one step closer to achieving. The feeling of success at the end of any journey is hard to beat.
Stick to routes and activities you enjoy
“Working to a plan and set goals is definitely a good way to keep on track. But I only do the activities, be it running, S&C, Pilates, etc., that I LOVE and actually look forward to.”
Don’t force yourself to do activities you don’t enjoy, even if they’re part of your training plan. Change it up, ask advice and discover workouts that you find fun and enjoyable. There is always an alternative, and you’ll be more likely to stick to goals if they aren’t a chore. Just remember, there needs to be a little grind to achieve any goal though.
Get support from fellow runners
“The gentle ribbing (I mean support) from fellow Striders always helps… and the lighter mornings creeping in.”
Find support from your (local) running community. This can be in-person or online. Sharing your progress and challenges with others can help keep you accountable and motivated. It can also open you up to new experiences, events, workouts and methods. It’s rumoured to also vastly improve your social life as well!
Embrace early morning runs
“For me, it’s about experiencing something not many other people do. Think I’ve mentioned a few times that I’d not be up and out the door at some ungodly hour if it weren’t for other like-minded
muppets doing the same #EarlyRises. I also strangely like being out and about while the rest of the world is hibernating.”
If you’re a morning person, use this time to your advantage and enjoy the peace and solitude of the early morning hours. If you’re not, there is nothing wrong with that. But finding a group who can fit your schedule is all about asking questions. There’s always someone who is on the same time schedule as you.
Hopefully these tips have given you some inspiration to keep running through the rougher months. Remember to stay safe and dress appropriately for the weather (check our last top tips piece for more advice on that topic), and keep pushing yourself towards your goal.