It can be really hard to get on and get out of the door if you don't have a reason to run. At the start of the year, and even now, we see race after race posting notices of their cancellation. If we're lucky we can defer to next year. Sometimes the event changes and we can take part virtually. Other times we simply have to accept the race has been cancelled and move on. Life's stresses can also keep us from wanting to go, not to mention life trying to return to norma, but still being so different in so many ways. It can take it's toll. So how do you keep that motivation to get out of the door? Read on for a few ideas....
ENTER A VIRTUAL RACE
There are lots available. It might even give you the opportunity to earn a medal for a race you might not otherwise have a chance of ever getting. Yes. I'm looking at the virtual London Marathon. I'm aware the event has now passed, but 46 000 people got the opportunity to own a medal that, for reasons of limited ballot entries, might otherwise have been completely unachievable! Many other races are offering the same, so if you have a medal you'd like to own but are restricted by geography or other limitations, have a look and see if you can run it closer to home! I know it's not the same as taking part in the event itself, but I hope it comes a close second.
FIND A CHALLENGE
If there isn't a virtual race you like the look of, find yourself another challenge. With or without a medal at the end. A great one coming to a close at the moment is from Cornish company, Bys Vyken Events. It's a unique elevation challenge to run the equivalent height of the 20 or 40 highest hills in Cornwall. Alternatively, you could challenge yourself to a particular monthly distance. There are some fantastic medals available on Badass Mother Runners or Virtual Runner to celebrate your achievements.
CROSS TRAINING
Without the pressure of races and the feeling of needing to get those miles under your belt, the time couldn't be more perfect to put off that cross training that you've been avoiding. Focus on those hips, glutes, quads and trunk. Strength and stabilisation are key to good form and injury avoidance! If you have limited time then swap out one of your runs for a cross training session. Once you've done a few weeks of this you'll be itching to get out of the door and see how it's improved your running!
NEGLECTED TRAINING
Along with cross training, there are other aspects of training that can get neglected in the search for ever increasing miles. I'm talking technical sessions. Intervals. Speed sessions. Hill sprints. Anything that might require a bit more thought or structure or effort than just pulling on the trainers and running! If it's not something you've done before, there are plenty of programs, hints and tips available online, but your best bet is to approach a coach and see what might work best for you. Doing something different will hopefully encourage the need to get out.
JOIN A CLUB / RUN WITH A FRIEND
Ok, so it's slightly trickier to do this in the current climate, but, by and large, clubs are meeting again, albeit in a slightly more distanced way or in smaller groups. Contact a group near you and see what they're offering. Clubs are also a great way to meet new people which is an added bonus when we haven't been allowed out or near people for so long!
If a club doesn't appeal to you, or you find the timings challenging, find a friend to run with. If you've committed to go with someone else you're more likely to be motivated to go and less likely to back out or find something at home to distract you from going!
So there we have it. Whether you decide to take part in a virtual race, set yourself a challenge (distance or otherwise), do those technical sessions you've put off or whether you find a friend or make new friends there are plenty of ways to keep the motivation alive! The next time you struggle to find the enthusiasm to get out, why not give one of these a try?!
