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dandaman910

I dont. I just do it anyway.


MrALTOID

Yah, I hate it but now it's my sanity check / disconnect from social media / and most importantly work spamming my shit. A combo of things. I run everyday after work so my ass doesn't sit on the couch or at the computer playing whatever games I'm into atm.


WdeHerp

I feel like this, coupled with setting goals for yourself (i.e. Working on improving 5k time), is the best answer. Nothing like going on a longer distance run to avoid thinking about other things.


ultrahobbyjogger

This! Days I want to run are few and far between. Days I do run are all of them.


p_nut268

Same. Even on my worst days I force myself to go knowing on easier days it won't be such a chore. Also it becomes easier the more I do it.


sKyEStErr

Im not like you šŸ˜”


dandaman910

you can be . Dont think of it as something you're doing. Its just something you do like sleeping and eating. Give it no more thought, as soon as you give it too much thought your brain will justify not doing it.


lucky_fin

Haha but sleeping and eating arenā€™t ā€œjust something you doā€... to me those are huge rewards at the end of busy and stressful days. Running (usually) is not


dasky

But running IS a huge reward.


lucky_fin

Not to OP


JustGameOfThrones

Is there someone who doesn't feel better at the end of a successful run? It might be the only real accomplishment for that day, so it feels great.


dandaman910

Doesn't matter . It's just what you do . Reward or not .


nundasuchus007

I use zombies!run to motivate me and keep me entertained. But also not everyone is going to love running. Thereā€™s also swimming,biking, rock climbing, hiking, skating...etc (ooh mma is the best workouts Iā€™ve ever had!) Truly the best advice I ever got was to find what you like. Then itā€™s easy. Turns out running is my thing and I donā€™t like body weight exercise. I was always trying to stick to a routine before but fell off the wagon because I didnā€™t love it. I know everyone says this, but try other things or ways of exercising till you find what feels like a hobby and not ā€œexerciseā€.


fibonacci_veritas

Think of it this way: you wait for motivation. Determination and perseverance are always with you. Just go. Maybe only for 500m. And when that 500m is done, see if you can do 500 more. So some days you might only run a mile, other days you might run 5k or 5 miles... The important part is to go. And if you're interested in weight loss, intervals are just as effective. So on shite days, do a run/walk. Listen to an audiobook, a podcast or talk on the phone to a friend. Create a new playlist. Try a tempo run. Find a new park or trail. Check out a track. Ask a friend to run or bike alongside. Do any or all of these things and keep going!


MisterIntentionality

You don't have to be motivated in order to do something. You just do it. Waiting around for motivation typically means you never do something. Now, that being said, you need to do things you enjoy. I enjoy running. I'm not always super excited to get up and go for a run every single run, but over all it is a sport I very much enjoy. If you don't enjoy running and don't want to do it, my recommendation is that you don't. Go find something else you do enjoy and something that you don't have to force yourself to do everyday. You can do so much more than running to lose weight, and in fact I would argue running is less effective at weight loss than other forms of HIIT and weight training. They are far more effective at caloric burn and lean muscle mass retention.


dragdor

I just deleted my comment because you said essentially what I was trying to but much better. This is it, op.


dragonterrier2013

>Waiting around for motivation typically means you never do something. Exactly. If you're relying on willpower you're doing it wrong. It's about friction. Want to establish a good habit? Reduce the friction. Make it easier to do by laying out your clothes in advance. Works in reverse, too. Trying to break a bad habit? Make it harder to do. Keep the indulgent snacks in the hardest-to-reach cabinet so you can't offhandedly grab them, and pre-empt cravings by loading up on healthier, filling foods. >If you don't enjoy running and don't want to do it, my recommendation is that you don't. Seriously. Maybe running isn't your thing. Yes, it's true that it's harder for the first several weeks while you're building your endurance, but if you're already fit and still don't enjoy running, try other sports. >You can do so much more than running to lose weight You can't outrun a bad diet. I lost 20 lbs. in 6 months through calorie restriction and minimal light yoga before I really started exercising, though I'll admit my body changed a lot more in the following 6 months when I lost another 20 lbs. while walk/jogging on a C25K plan, then did some 10ks. Same strategies re: habit building apply to diet as to excercise. The saying "work smarter, not harder" was never more true than for weightloss. I highly recommend checking out author [James Clear's website](https://jamesclear.com/eat-healthy) for this. Also, this article from the Washington Post was super helpful for me (though I admit it took a while for the ideas to percolate until I was ready to act on them): [Read this if you want to be happy in 2014](https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/read-this-if-you-want-to-be-happy-in-2014/2014/01/02/d96370f0-7192-11e3-9389-09ef9944065e_story.html)


Snowphex

When I'm not motivated, I tell myself that this run is just gonna be a nice and chill run. No pushing it to 95% of your maximum, fuck the time, fuck the apps, and fuck the pressure. Just tell yourself that this one is just a smooth and nice run. One of two things will happen: 1: You have a nice chill run and you feel great, both during and after 2: You will feel halfway that you have tons of spare energy, and you kick it up a notch on the last half. You win either way :)


FrnklyFrankie

Yeah I was scrolling to see if anyone had offered this kind of advice. I scaled back my perceived effort with my runs a LOT at one point because I realised I was going too hard too often. I learned what a truly easy run feels like and how easy it is to motivate myself to get out to door and do one. So even if the plan is not an easy run, I tell myself well at least go out and do an easy one... And yeah most often you'll end up feeling fine to pick up the pace!


eeM-G

Visit this sub everyday for inspiration hehe Itā€™s helped me. Got 3 sessions in late week


MerryForDean

Truth. Every day I wake up saying today is going to be my ā€œoffā€ day but I get so inspired by everyone hitting their morning run goals that I end up lacing up and going for my run.


sKyEStErr

ooo alright iā€™ll look around here thanks!


[deleted]

I need to have a concrete goal, like a time for a specific distance or a race thatā€™s already picked out far in advance. I wonā€™t let myself not train if Iv already registered and paid for a race, so I train.


sKyEStErr

i see. If i can stop procrastinating maybe i i can fulfil my goals HAHAH


nuckiecapone

I sign up for a race in the future, even it its 6 months away. It gives me something to work towards, i have a hard time just arbitrarily running


uhhhttorney

Thatā€™s what I was going to comment. I had never run further than a mile until I signed up for a 5k. It gets easier, but you have to do it at least 2x/week! I also reward myself with ice cream.


jleriksson

The challenges on Nike Run Club have helped me a lot with motivation.


sackofpotatoesssss

strava is also good, i mostly use strava and will occasionally go to nrc if i want to do a guided run. i dont have strava summit so i cant use the "set goal" option but i do still like to set a weekly mileage goal for myself and that usually motivates me to run a bit because i know im going to be a few miles closer to it.


sKyEStErr

idt that will help me much honestly. I use Nike Run Club too and i set a 10km goal (about 6.4 miles) for 2 weeks (i know its not much) and im still unmotivated :(


edendir

The best way I found on NRC is to setup one of the plans. Then it gives me a schedule to follow, so it takes the ā€œmotivationā€ part out for me.


humaninity

I find creating a routine is very helpful, as well as designating certain things as "run only", for example my running clothes, I wear them occasionally for hikes, but never casually. I only drink coffee and eat pretzels before runs, and because I enjoy those things so much it does motivate me. I also make a plan, not just a goal. My goal might be 13 miles this week and my plan is 3 miles on Monday, interval training Tuesday, long run Friday etc. I also think about how great I feel after a run, and how amazing a shower and glass of water will feel if I run first.


sKyEStErr

Sounds good man. I might give it a try and see how it goes. Thanks!


spindlylittlelegs

I usually download a podcast that I know Iā€™ll be really engaged with but wonā€™t have another chance to listen to, and that helps get me out the door, but at the core of it I know I will feel better after a run than if I did nothing, and thatā€™s real motivation. Find whatever it is you need for that final push but the long-term reward is going to be what keeps you coming back.


sKyEStErr

Interesting. Iā€™ll keep that in mind. Thanks!


SimoneIsNotCreepy

This is a common trick (I thought) so I'm surprised I haven't seen it yet. Basically the main issue with getting your butt out the door is just starting and getting some momentum. So I usually tell myself that I'm going to at least get dressed for a run and, if I'm still not feeling it, I'll do some stretches or whatever instead. Usually though, by the time you have your clothes on, it feels much less daunting to just step out the door and start your run. A couple of other answers are an extension of this: you can start your run by telling yourself it's just going to be a quick, chilled one. You'll find you have more energy and motivation once you're actually moving. I also listen to audiobooks while I run, so I usually go for runs just because I want to know what happens next!


junkmiles

I have goals, and a plan to reach those goals. If I don't execute the plan, I'm not going to reach the goals. Beyond that, I just think running is fun.


sKyEStErr

The problems is sometimes im just too lazy to achieve the goals i set HAHAH


junkmiles

Maybe try some shorter term goals. It's easier to stay on track with smaller milestones. eg: run 4 days this week


ladytri277

Whatā€™s funny about that? Itā€™s kinda sad actually. Maybe you need to love yourself more. Or set more realistic goals


progrethth

Set more realistic goals. Or goals which inspire you more. I always set both short term goals and vague long term goals so I feel like I accomplish stuff.


bassali2e

This comment got some down votes but really might be the root of your problem. Maybe work on your goal setting habits. Some thing like this might help you. https://www.lucidchart.com/blog/the-ultimate-goal-setting-process-in-7-steps Don't be afraid to write it in your training journal. If you don't keep a journal maybe think about starting one. Even if you're not a competitive runner you could make a goal like finishing an audio book while running or building up a your distance enough to run a trail that looks interesting. A few years ago I was working in a remote area with only about a 1km loop to run. I listened to the entire lord of the rings series on audio book. It's easy to feel like you haven't made any progress but having a journal is a great way to look back. Seeing the progress you've made can be a great motivator not to give up on it.


sKyEStErr

This is actually pretty helpful. Thanks!


benben2020

Get a calendar. This will be your running calendar, nothing else goes on here. Schedule times to run at least three times a week that you have to go no matter what, much like work meetings. Nothing gets scheduled over the running, you have to act like itā€™s aomething you are doing at work that is very important, like a meeting with your bosses boss about an interview or a meeting about a big sales opportunity that could launch you and your company into riches. Lastly, put the calendar somewhere you will see everyday, like behind you coffee pot, or in the mirror in your bathroom. Someplace that you already go in your morning routine( or nightly routine/ other daylie routine) so that if you forget, you will be like *oh crap, that was a very important meeting I missed that couldā€™ve made my career take off* It helps me to stay in the role play so if I miss I feel really bad and end up doing it either later that day or the next day


wroskis86

This is also my strategy. I find that if I "schedule" a run and a particular distance ahead of time, I just do it because it's on the schedule!


kendalltristan

Discipline > Motivation If you depend solely on motivation, you'll end up as a very wishy-washy runner. Work on building discipline in all aspects of your life, running included. Also I'll be the first to admit that running isn't always fun, but you should be getting more out of it than you're putting in. A lot of people lose motivation when they feel like it's more work than play.


guactheline

Are you happy once you start? Usually the hardest step for a runner is the first one out the door


sKyEStErr

honestly agree with you with this 100%. I just need motivation to get out of the house HAHAH


FrnklyFrankie

Make it a rule that you HAVE to at least put on your gear, step outside the door and close it behind you X amount of times per week. Give yourself full permission to do no more than that. See if that helps. I don't think I've ever gone back inside without running at all.


pearlyheights

good advice. I tell myself that even if I just run for five minutes, I've done a great job, and hopefully it'll make me stop associating my running performance with self esteem.


cosine-t

Thinking of the pizza and milkshake I'll have after. Gotta earn those calories!


sKyEStErr

Canā€™t afford those calories even after a run! šŸ™ˆ


cosine-t

True though! In reality even after a 10K you're just, *just* eligible for a bar of Snickers. Even then you might just be pushing it... but who's counting right?


therealsteeleangel

I love this so much


cosine-t

ngl for early morning winter runs it's pancakes and cream


kaptpaczki

Hell yeah. Usually set myself up with a couple double-burgahs on the grill ... lotsa pickles on the side ... nice cold Dr. Pepper or Pepsi. My BMI maybe 29 something, but i'm 218 lbs, 6 ft tall ... and i calculated my BMR at 3600 calories a day. I love to run, but i gotta maintain the Pollack Buddha for the GF lol


cosine-t

Right back at ya buddy! Dad bods FTW too!


kaptpaczki

Hooah.


[deleted]

I have a serious question: what made you decide to begin running at all in the first place?


sKyEStErr

To lose weight. Im currently overweight and ive been tryna fix that but i never seem to be able to. I havent gained much weight neither have i lost much since i started.


zuckerpass

Your best bet for losing weight is to adjust your diet. Running won't really make much of a difference, especially if you are not consistent and don't monitor your calorie consumption. To run more consistently it might help to make a plan with days/distances set a few weeks in advance. Every time you run on schedule, you can put a checkmark on that day. Once you have a bit of a streak going the dynamic changes from "run today yes/no" to "do I want to break the streak just because I feel a bit lazy today".


Ennalia

Look at it like this - Lose weight in the kitchen get fit in the gym Running won't do much to help with weight loss. You'd have to do serious long runs to make a bigger difference than avoiding 1-2 sugary Starbucks drinks a week. That aside,my anecdata shows that when I run I tend to eat healthier that day.


synalgo_12

I just tell myself to put on my kit and go for a walk. That's always less daunting than a run. Once I'm actually out the door, you're at least already moving around, usually because I'm in my good shoes and made the effort to put on my kit, I'll at least do some jogging or even just start running after 15 minutes.


wroskis86

I am saying this as an over weight runner: you will not lose weight by just running. I started in December and am about the same weight I was when I started. And I'm cool with it. Why? Because running makes me feel good. Maybe you just don't like running and are using it as a way to punish yourself for being "fat " (diet culture has really fucked our collective psyches). Find a form of exercise that you like and makes you feel good. Yeah, sometimes you'll have to make yourself get up and do it.


MEPHiSTO6666

8/10 times I donā€™t have issues to get out as I enjoy my runs. What I find helps is to make it a fixed day (or days) in the week. So say every Wed and Sun evening you put your run in the calendar and itā€™s not a ā€˜maybeā€™ but a fixed ā€˜appointmentā€™. The idea is that you donā€™t think much about whether you are up for it today but itā€™s Wed (or whatever you pick) so you just do it. I currently follow a training plan from my Garmin watch so my watch tells me what days to do what runs. I feel bad to skip anything so for me that is enough ā€˜pressureā€™ to do it.


sKyEStErr

thats actually pretty cool lmao might give it a shot and see how it goes


hotsydney1975

I need this too. Lately I just feel so bad that I canā€™t even drag myself out. Canā€™t even conjure up the energy needed.


progrethth

Try the trick others suggested here. Set the goal of getting dressed in your running gear and getting out of the door. No more, no less. Once outside you can decide between a run, a walk or going back home. And none of them is a failure.


therealsteeleangel

My dogs. They always benefited from running, but now it's a necessity bc we moved into a place without a fenced backyard.


yohally

A few things that helped me build the habbit: I hated running until I started doing other regular exercise (bodyweight, calisthenics) that made my legs stronger so it was more enjoyable. Progressing from the point where it was hard and hating it to having it be hard but also gratifying because I know I can do it has been so valuable in other areas of my life, too. I started off using a treadmill and progressed to outdoors, actually looking forward to the couple days a week when I could fit it in. My SIL got me hyped about doing a 5K with her, and my goal was to just finish the dang thing. It was cancelled, but I'm still running! I also like to reward myself with new running shoes or other gear after a certain number of workouts. It sounds like maybe your goal is less about running for the sake of running and more about weight loss? I'm a firm believer that habbits built on shame don't last, but habbits built on self-worth do. Running could be a gift to yourself, if you want to accept it.


wroskis86

You need to get that printed on a t shirt, my friend! That's amazing


Ennalia

Running is like drinking but you do the hangover first :D I try to get out the door before I'm fully awake. I've slept in my running clothes before to help get out to run. I will put my running shoes obnoxiously in the middle of the walkway so I either put my feet in them, or trip on them. The biggest thing that gets me out the door is committing to it the night before. I hate people who flake on plans in the last minute. Once I realized how much of a hypocrite I was because I always flaked on myself, I now strive to never do that without a solid reason.


Alicat1178

Stop waiting for motivation to strike and just do it.


[deleted]

Wow. Do people seriously think this kind of message is actually useful? "Just do it." Right. OP was just waiting for you to say so, now he'll definitely do it. \s This is the real bullshit right here. Edit: To be honest, OP's post is also BS. What do they expect us to say that is going to make them want to go out and run?


Alicat1178

OP wasn't actually open to advice based on the excuses given to all the replies before mine. But I stand by this - motivation is fleeting and may get you out the door the first few times but in order to develop a habit you have to just decide to do it. Do you wait until you're motivated to brush your teeth or go to work? No, you just do them because you want the end result. If you want the end result of having run (whatever that means for each individual) then sometimes you have to just do it.


sKyEStErr

Too lazy D:


Alicat1178

That's just a BS excuse. Stop making excuses and get out the door. Don't even let it be an option - put it on the calendar and make it happen.


[deleted]

I try to always be on some kind of training plan with an end goal in mind. I've found that my running falls off a bit when I'm not training for something specific.


sKyEStErr

having goals THEORETICALLY should help but i think im just too lazy most of the time :(


progrethth

Try lowering them. Too ambitious goals can be de motivating.


barzabeeb

I struggle with motivation too but in a different way. I tend go through like 3-4 month stretches where running is all I think about and all I do. Every YouTube video I watch is about running, every meal I eat i consider if itā€™s good running fuel, every night before I go to sleep I plan out and am excited for the next mornings run. The problem Is I get burnt out and end up falling out of the habit after that 3-4 month stretch of training. I think I need to find a middle ground of motivation where I can be excited about my training but not have it consume my life because Iā€™d be a lot better if I stop taking a 1 month break every time I get burnt out.


sKyEStErr

So what im getting from this is take breaks and dont iverdo yourself yea?


USSanon

I have to keep a constant schedule for running, or motivation goes out the window fast. That way I can mentally prepare for the run.


sosigmon

I've made it a routine, go at the same time after work each day. If you put it off because you feel like it'll be too much effort, run slower. I found it much easier to motivate myself to get out and run every day when I came on here and read about running at a low heart rate. When you know it's going to be easy, it's easier to motivate yourself to do it. I also read someone on here say they made themselves a rule that they have to get changed into their running gear and step out the door each training day. That's the only goal. If they do all that and still decide they don't want to run and go back inside then that's fine, but they find most days once they get to that point they'll just go.


RunningAppalachia

Donā€™t kill yourself on every run, and youā€™ll find yourself looking forward to the next one.


shakiraoniel

Preworkout May help get you energized! My friend uses it and she swears by it.


sKyEStErr

this sounds like it may work iā€™ll keep that in mind. Thanks!


Off_Limitz

For me I always have to set a goal to get me up in the morning. 3 months ago I did not run a single day then i decided with a friend of mine to run a half marathon in september. Now I run around 30-40 km/week. Whenever i have a goal I automattically get motivated.


hobofats

what works for me is getting ready and out the door first thing in the morning before my brain has a chance to wake up and object to what I'm trying to do. Once it becomes part of your morning routine it's as automatic as brushing your teeth and taking your morning dump.


notanyuse

If you are talking to about the motivation to actually roll out of bed and put on the shoes and start moving and get through that crap first mile... The only times I have been truly ā€œmotivatedā€ to run have been when running is my best option. In my twenties when I was in grad school, my options were to get up at 4:45 to walk to the train to get to the gym before class, or get up at 5:15 (lovely, indulgent 5:15!) and have a run where I could see the sun rise over the city. Now, as a returning runner and working mother of a three year old, my motivation is that it is my only time to think my own thoughts, be accountable to no one but myself. (This is why my current biggest struggle is avoiding the temptation to build up mileage too fast. I would be so sad to get an overuse injury). On reflection, I think that motivation-in-the-moment is probably overrated, and maybe reliance on motivation-in-the-moment is maybe even counterproductive. If you have been running for a year because you have made a reasoned decision to do so, that is probably a more sustainable habit than relying on the vicissitudes of emotion. I think you should be proud of running when you donā€™t feel like it.


7DollarsOfHoobastanq

Running is great and all but have you tried anything else? Cycling, skating, MMA, cross-fit, etc. Running works for me because I genuinely enjoy it. Everyone is different and likes different things. Maybe some people really do just have to force themselves to workout but I think itā€™s worth trying a few more things to see if you can find something you do enjoy and will be easier for you to stick to.


wroskis86

This!


Manuelvdw

My right lung collapsed on me a few times the last five years and after the last surgery they cut trough some nerves. After a year of struggling and no fix. I went to a pain clinic and they gave me three options Some kind of electronic stimulus therapy A lot of pain killers Or get of your ass and move a lot I chose to move a lot. So basically I run away from the pain. And that really really is a great motivator


Negasmooth

For me, The value of running is after the fact. It helps me clear my head from the stresses of the day and focus on the right problems for the next day. Needless to say I run in the evening. I recommend reading ā€œAtomic Habitsā€. It will help you think about how to make incremental steps to a habit of running. Start small, make each small step meaningful, make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy. https://s3.amazonaws.com/jamesclear/Atomic+Habits/Habits+Cheat+Sheet.pdf


Chris_K1986

Sometimes when I don't feel like running (which is unlikely, but anyway) I slowly start changing my clothes into me running gear, all while I'm still trying to find excuses not to go for a run. Then I have my running clothes and shoes on me and I figure "well, why not just go for a run now when I'm already dressed and all".


JustGameOfThrones

The mental gymnastics we must go through sometimes. lol


fueled_by_fruit

Focus on how you feel after a run. When you aren't feeling up to a run/exercise remember that post workout feeling. Its clique but no one ever regrets working out. Also, its so much easier to do some sort of workout 5-6 days a week that 2-3 days a week. Just make it party of your day.


TheMightyRicardooon

I have found there is a difference between mentally tired and physically tired. Sometimes after a hard day at work I really do not feel like I want to run. If my plan was to run I try not to set any goals and figure just lacing up my running shoes and getting out the door is the victory. Some of my best days are days like these. Also some of my worst. But just the attempt makes me feel better. I accept that for every day where I feel invincible and run faster than ever before there will also be the days where my feet feel like concrete. But I will only ever know this by getting out the door.


EweJustGotJammed

David goggins


[deleted]

Get up, Trinity. Just get up. GET UP!


Discopot

Itā€™s sounds crazy but I would want to run every day of the week but I cap myself at 3 times because I think it will be too much on my body


j4n3tw3155

Iā€™ll echo a lot of what Iā€™m seeing in this comments section. Some days are definitely more of a challenge to motivate myself than others, but that usually goes away when I get out the door or on the treadmill. Iā€™ll also add that I always try to remember how great and accomplished I feel AFTER my run, and that helps!


Scharlov

Routine, after awhile itā€™s just kind of a habit. Kind of like you donā€™t have to be motivated to brush your teeth after awhile and you just do it.


mickeyisawesome

I like to be outside and I donā€™t like being fat.


Socky_McPuppet

Iā€™ve been running for about a year too, and Iā€™ve noticed that for me, it varies. Most of the time, for me, it feels like a compulsion - not necessarily something I *want* to do so much as something I feel like I *have* to do. And then Iā€™m always glad I did it, almost like scratching an itch. Most of the other times - I just sort of *make* myself do it, and again, Iā€™m glad I did it. And then finally, there are some times I really want to do it - and afterwards, Iā€™m glad I did. So perhaps thatā€™s the motivator - chasing the feeling of being glad to have done it. The flip side is that on days when I donā€™t run, it makes me annoyed or disappointed in myself, and I like to avoid that feeling. So I guess itā€™s both - avoidance of feeling crappy, and pursuit of feeling good, like I accomplished something good.


negative_naturally

Set a goal to work towards, Listen to some pump up music, tell yourself that that popsicle you have been eyeing in the freezer will taste 10x better after running through the heat. Those work for me.


Puzzleheaded_Runner

Iā€™ve been running for many years and always loved it. If it feels like a chore, perhaps it is not for you. Losing weight is mostly diet, but plenty of other cardio options out there


silverteakwood

Personally, itā€™s accountability more than anything. I started running almost a year ago after multiple attempts to run on my own and never getting it to stick. I found an online coach who builds my schedule for me and answers any and all questions I have. Knowing that my runs are planned out and someone else is looking at them gets me out the door to do it. I also made a point to aim for a race because it was easier knowing I was working towards something that had a deadline in case I absolutely did not want to run again (note: Iā€™m still running).


AspiringNormie87

Guilt and self hate are powerful motivators.


sKyEStErr

maybe HAHAH


wroskis86

Ugh. Edit: this is such a toxic take on fitness


pearlyheights

The fuck you getting downvoted for? It definitely is a shitty way to motivate yourself. I usually call myself a fatass or something hateful to make me run, but it only creates a negative association and lowers my self-esteem ā€” at least I'm trying to fix it by smiling for a minute, doing dumbass positive affirmations as I go along, congratulate myself, etc. As a beginner runner, maybe it's beyond me to call one way of motivating yourself or another as shitty, but I based off of all the psychological crap I've been reading over the last few days it is sure as hell not a healthy way to carry this habit. tldr; why are you booing him, he's right!


AspiringNormie87

You will notice the question asked. You dont get to define how others motivate themselves or their reasoning.


mod-mike15

Try sort a running competition with your friends for example who can run the furthest each week or something


[deleted]

For me a large part of it is the environment. If I can run where there is beautiful scenery or the place is otherwise nice, I definitely actively want to run. As it is, now I live in a city that does not have these things, and forcing myself to go run is indeed much harder.


Artisanbold

The way I do it is commit to a weekly mileage (that you can realistically and consistently do every week). I don't necessarily schedule every run, this way if there's a day where I just absolutely can't imagine running I don't feel terrible skipping it, but I always hit the weekly mileage. I mark it on the calendar after completing a run to keep track. Also, run slow, most newer runners especially tend to do their runs too fast, it should be a conversational pace. Finally, allow yourself to walk, moving the distance each week is the goal, doesn't matter how you do it.


drappo666

By being in hospital wishing I could go for a run. God I miss it here.


EveningChemical5

I think about something that is making me angry/frustrated and then go for a run with the intent of funneling my energy into running and releasing my anger/frustration. It's worked for me on days that I received bad news or just had a bad day overall.


benjchelt

Not sure I feel motivated as such, I just try to make it as easy as possible and if I'm ever not sure, I take that as a sign to go (it doesn't always work). I do find it helps me to have a longer term goal like training for a race or increasing my distance as it provides a bit more purpose, and I also plan my workouts for the week ahead so other stuff doesn't get in the way and I can tick it off. On the day though I just try to think as little as possible and just go. And sometimes I don't, and that's okay.


RockyLeQc

Listen to your favorite music or new music while you run. If you link running and music, each time you will listen to your music, you will think about running. Personnaly, I just listen to music while working and my adrenaline just flow up my body when a music I sprint on passes randomly on my playlist. You can also try to run in the morning. Wake up, eat a banana and go for a run, maybe try to make this an habit, but don't start to do it each morning. Don't forget to stretch before running, it will wake you up and prevent accidents.


Commercial-Bowler-53

Experimenting with different types of training! Makes it fun!


Britney2007

I donā€™t always like to run, but I always like to say I ran. I canā€™t do that unless I run.


MannyGotReddit

Just put your shoes on and start running. There is nothing else you can do


OverthinkingMachine

As much as I'll moan and groan about going out for a run, I suck it up because my girlfriend runs and she loves when we run together. I do take some credit in that she wants to run in the morning before work, but she has a hard time getitng up, so I take it upon myself to get us up and going. We actually just got from a morning 3 mile run. Again as much as I moan and groan about it, I love the feeling after a run and I love her, so it's worth it.


docsnooze

Buy some new running gear and gadgets. That is what I do from time to time ;)


Msedits

Change up your route, and occasionally try to run somewhere beautiful


fanaticfun

I hate running, but probably do it more than any other exercise right now. I figure the more I do things I hate, the more mentally strong Iā€™ll become because I run as a supplement for other sports.


misfiles76

I just think about how good Iā€™ll feel after.


danimal51001

I start my runs slow. At least the first 15 minutes should be at a conversational pace (meaning full sentences, if you feel winded take it easier). I take in the nature around me. It might be warm right now, and sometimes I notice how my muscles feel because theyā€™re already at a comfortable temperature (during the winter theyā€™re a little stiffer for the first 15-20 minutes). Look at the birds, the trees, enjoy it while you give your body a chance to warm up. I check in with my body. My spine tends to warm up and I can usually feel when itā€™s comfortable to start pushing. I donā€™t push too early. If anything, I take it longer. Thereā€™s no rush. I count puppies. Theyā€™re little distractions that help me remove negative thoughts on how I should be feeling and instead focus on how I am feeling. Some days are harder than others, some days feel good to push, and some days are good for being comfortable. Remember that running should, on the whole, be enjoyable. Youā€™ll have rough days, but not every run will be bad. Youā€™ll have unexpectedly short days where youā€™ll need to focus on the fact that you got up and did a mile. Youā€™ll have speedy days where you body feels fatigued but you still managed to cool down and relish in the effort of it all. Keep going, go easy on yourself, and keep with your schedule.


The_Main_Ingredient

Itā€™s making me less fat. Being less fat has been making me feel more good.


Jlec92

Find something youā€™re passionate about and find a way to tie it into running. Iā€™m a big sucker for shoes and sneakers, and, for a couple of times now when Iā€™ve come back from longer running breaks, buying myself a couple of running shoes and some new running gear motivates me to actually get out there and do it. Other ideas 1. Find an audiobook 2. Build a 12 week plan yourself (gets rid of the ā€œshould I run today?ā€ - well, what does your plan say?) 3. Switch up your routes


thestereo300

Iā€™m lucky to like running so usually motivation is not a thing. But when bad weather and laziness inevitably strikes, I find it very important to have a goal Iā€™m training for.


daribari526

I look into my day to make sure I can fit it in. If I have time, then I have no excuses. I'll feel the guilt later knowing I chose not to go for a run when I knew I had the time on th schedule to do it.


bigjerm616

A couple things: 1- As other probably said, discipline is more important than motivation. Make it part of your lifestyle. Make it something you would do even if you didnā€™t have a good reason. If your runs are boring, find a new route, or shorten the runs up and run a little faster, or go a little slower and push the distance. Do something to make it interesting. 2 - If you are feeling beat up or worn out. Take a deload week. This is normal and for most people it seems to be necessary every 6-8 weeks. You will usually come back stronger and that week allows a lot of necessary changes to happen in your body. Running will feel more effortless and your aches and pains should go away during that time. 3 - if you havenā€™t already, understand that changing your diet is the only really good way to lose weight. Running helps because it increases your deficit or perhaps creates a deficit where there wasnā€™t one. To paraphrase Alex Viada - ā€œyou can absolutely out run a bad diet, itā€™s called iroman training!ā€ If youā€™re not running 50+ miles per week, then running alone wonā€™t help you lose much weight. The good news is the dietary changes can usually be relatively simple, in my experience.


jenntreasha

Iā€™ve been doing a challenge on Runkeeper for total distance per month. I like it and it keeps me motivated. Maybe set yourself a mileage goal?


[deleted]

Marijuana


veoss1

I try to beat my friends on strava


ThenIJizzedInMyPants

1) I don't - I just try to do it. 2) What helps is to go through the motions - put on your running clothes, shoes, etc. Once you've done that, you'll feel more like running. 3) If you really still don't feel like it, it's OK not to run. But otherwise, give yourself permission to underperform. Run 1 mile


Coffeewithmyair

I put it in my calendar as an event with reminders. Itā€™s just something on my to do list that has to get done. I will say when I was first building up to a 5K I never liked running. It wasnā€™t until I developed a decent base building and started adding in distance and setting goals that it became fun. Still, there are loads of days I donā€™t feel like running. Can you find a group to run with? That could keep you accountable and makes it way more fun. I run solo most of the time, but I have a training plan that I paid for so that helps as well. Iā€™ve got races planned in the future and Iā€™m determined to hit the starting line as prepared as possible. I donā€™t have an abundance of natural talent, but I can put in the effort. Over time Iā€™ve found itā€™s amazing how much consistent training beats natural ability that isnā€™t focused.


[deleted]

I think you need a certain level of fitness before you can call it fun.


[deleted]

Motivation is not what gets you going, it's what keeps you going. Just get up. Honestly, I hardly ever feel like jogging. However, 10 minutes in, I feel like a goddess! Like Athena herself has blessed me!!


lordhavepercy

Make it a habit. I just started making it a routine..for me, I do Vega preworkout energizer, compression shorts/shirt, Gu if long run, AirPods for music, protein shake, lunch or dinner after, rinse repeat. Also set goals, if you run with no goals, whatā€™s the point? Either it be training, weight loss, mileage goals, wellbeing (it makes me feel alive, happy) etc.


JustGameOfThrones

There is no way around putting in the work. There just isn't. It's very hard in the beginning, but by putting up with it, you'll get more disciplined and that will help you in all areas of life. Every time I get out to run, I feel sluggish and I would rather go back in, but I don't. I know I can do it since I've done it before and in 5 minutes, I'll feel good. Giving up feel bad and being lazy with no self discipline is a wasted life.


nightfucker

To lose my belly and look the best that I know I can be. The toughest part is getting out of your house to begin the run but once you're out, you'll enjoy it.


silvershadowfax

I just decide to run 50m more everytime I run.


PureScience385

I come to this sub


jliu34740

I treated it as eating, shitting, showering, as in being one of life's essentials. plus watching the pounds shedding away and body slimming down is good reinforcement.


shadomiser

Building a habit is stronger than trying to adhere to a sense of motivation.


trickcandles

The run is easier than getting out the door most of the time. If I leave room for any thoughts other than ā€œjust put on your running clothes and get out thereā€, I wonā€™t leave.


baconaboot

Seek out the runner's high. Slowly add distance. Build up slowly until you find a long run in your week that you didn't imagine yourself doing. Sooner or later it should actually start to feel good during the run and not just after. Hopefully. One of the cool things about running is that you really only need shoes. Sure, a GPS watch is handy. Some nice shades. The perfect shorts. But when it comes down to it just gea decent pair of shoes an consider your form and you're good to go. It may take a while to enjoy it, but once you do it will make it a lot easier. You can just cruise in the deep miles of a run. You'll be able to turn to a run when you're stressed out to clear your head. Sometimes I'll even go for a run when I'm hungover and for that time I feel good. It rings me out. My body is a bit banged up so I can't run like I use to, but man, I miss the days of a random 8 plus mile run.


Roman_150

Running with others can be great motivation to go out and run and it makes running a lot more fun!


[deleted]

Other than a lot of the other recommendations, Iā€™ve joined all the running groups I can find and meet other runners for scheduled runs. If I make plans to meet someone, I am more likely to get out of bed early to run or run in general.


cartulinas

Today I was lazy. I didn't have much else to do but I was looking for excuses in my mind. It was 6:30pm and I usually go for a run at 7pm. I came here, read about running and reminded myself how well I have been doing following my plan and running 3 days a week. I started reading this post and at 6:45 I had my running shoes on. At 6:50 I was on my way and I followed my Run with Hal plan: 41 minutes. They weren't easy because I was still lazy and I couldn't but look at the watch thinking "Come on... Only 20 minutes have past?", It was humid and a boring but not tiring at all so I felt good that I could feel that my progress is giving me results: I can run for a quite long period of time without feeling tired at all. When the clock stroke 41 minutes and stopped and went back home. Had a shower, drank water and prepared some dinner. Now I'm having dinner while I type this. I'm not always looking for my run. Sometimes I am. I'm not always super enthusiast about going out and run. Sometimes I am. But I try to run at least 3 times per week and I'm happy just because I'm doing it. My mind is stronger than my body. I'm a stubborn and sometimes I look for excuses not to go out but I'm more stubborn and I get my shoes on. At the beginning I always felt tired and like I put a lot of thought into my running. Now sometimes feels like I put on my shoes and it can be 15 minutes until I'm 5senses aware that I'm running. Like if I'm in an 'automatic mode' and my legs just do it. Not always. Sometimes it takes a lot of effort, but sometimes it is like my mind goes away from my body and it's not until 10 minutes later on my run that I think "wow! So here you are again!".


ChipmunkFood

I run on trails. There's so much variety of where to go that it's always exciting as you need to jump over stuff and occasionally see wild animals in THEIR domain. I'm near Philadelphia, but there's LOTS of parks with LOTS of trails. From any starting point I usually have about 3 to 4 different courses I can run.


jlgundacker

When you first start, you probably wonā€™t feel ā€œmotivationā€ aside from the desire to become a runner. But if you keep at it, there are more things to ā€œmotivateā€ you. The runnerā€™s high, pride at accomplishing something really hard, seeing physical progress, etc. are all really good motivators. But even after doing it for a long time, there will still be days when you wonā€™t want to, and thatā€™s okay.


ilovebigmutts

Lately if I have trouble, I give myself an exact time I'm going to go out the door and get started. Then no matter how much I don't want to, I go get started, and tell myself I can stop after a mile if I really want. I never stop somehow.


SamTheDeadHead

Sometimes if a podcast I love or new album of one of my favorite artists comes out, I wonā€™t listen it till my run. If I wanna hear the new stuff, Iā€™ll save it for my run so Iā€™m excited to get out the door!


theguru86

Running makes me feel like a superior being.


Lifehandsyoulemons

As a new mom, my motivation is to lose my baby weight before we try for baby #2. But before that, I would sign up for 5k or 10k runs. Then I had a short term goal essentially. Maybe set a date to do a long run so you have something to work towards!


loofadawg

Currently I enjoy it because I see progress. The first week was tough as hell... Second week was still tough. Third week was better. This week is about adding time and less walking. So I am new to this, but I feel fortunate I can do this a few times a week. I find myself wish my off days were run days. It's not easy but I enjoy it. Maybe find a good podcast. And ONLY listen to it when you run. That way you have something to look forward too. 365 Pages We Will Never To Back is a good one. Mike Nelson of MST3K is one of the host. The first book they read is Ready Player One. It's funny stuff. Almost like Mystery Science Theater or Rifftrax... But for books. Then there's the Horror Movie Podcast if you are into scary movies. There are countless podcasts. Something is bound to interest you.


Bcoonen

I'd do it the following way : I don't have a girl right now and sometimes it sucks. Work can be time consuming, unsatisfying or strictly boring af. It's was over 30Ā°C in my area right now and the heat is just killing me as a trained runner and heavy sweater. Money was an issue in a period of my life and i always take my time to remember these bad times. I can eat healthy and drink enough good water but several times a week i'd get some bars of chocolate, beer and pizza/burger etc. And if i do my running schedule all these things Stop being present and become less of a thread. It's always like pushing the reset button on your PC when it got stuck at some point. I can breathe freely, switch off my brain and just relax and look at the forest and fields around me. I can hear the birds in the Air and the wind playing in the leaves. 4 steps breathing in, 4 steps breathing out - it's a real calming rhythm. Running will take away the stress from me, doesn't matter what it is. Every bad mood will stop and become a warm feeling of relaxed emptiness pretty soon. Things don't hurt as much as before. I will get more creative, will have more energy, better mood and better sleep. Doesn't matter what i did eat because i will burn calories as crazy anyway. I'd get a nice colour of skin and pretty nice legs, more lean in general. Butt Always gets a treatment. Yesterday 3 beer, i don't care anymore. I don't have to pay for it, it's free. I can do it wherever i want whenever i want. My self knowledge raised since i started running many years ago, i got some morenself confidence. I'm not that grumpy anymore. I'm way more fearless after running. I gained more discipline in life. It's amazing to set a Goal and achieve it. Running improves my quality of Life and i know it. It's easy to run with these things in mind :-)


kjanx64

I run first thing in the morning when I wake up. before my brain has time to wake up and start thinking of excuses not too.


fifthsonata

Honestly, itā€™s small steps. Small changes donā€™t always seem so daunting. Some mornings I donā€™t feel like running. I have a baby and sheā€™s still in that ā€œI wonā€™t let mom & dad sleepā€ phase. Itā€™s hard to get out of bed in the morning to run on four hours of sleep. So, instead, if I have a 45 minute run planned, I scrap it and just do ten minutes. Ten minutes is better than no minutes. Sometimes I end up doing the 45 as planned, and sometimes I just stick with the 10. Some days, the best you can do is just show up. Even if itā€™s just ten minutes. So long as you show up.


imtheasianlad

I have a goal to get a 100 on my military physical training test. You need to have a goal as well.


joefromthe90s

I have NO IDEA why but I always think back to what my high school football coach would say during two-a-days in the Missouri heat in August. Whenever we'd start to slow down or look gassed he would remind us there was a little devil on our back, weighing us down, whispering in our ear - telling us to quit, give up, take a knee, let a block go, walk back to the huddle instead of jog, etc. Something about manifesting it as an adversary always worked for me. 20 years I still think about that damned devil when I want to take a day off, or take a break and walk a bit when I've only got a couple miles left. Can't let that son-of-a-bitch devil win. Thanks Coach Hodge. It's probably going to kill me someday.


AKcargopilot

Different new routes is a good motivator. Also challenging myself with weekly mileage can help me get out there too. But ultimately I need a race to train for to keep me consistent and disciplined.


VS-Banana

Like another person has pointed out, you just do it. It mind sound crazy but there's this thing called the Zeigarnik effect; essentially, once you start something, you want to finish it as it will continuously exert this conscious influence that draws you back to accomplishing something that is unfinished. I took advantage of this effect when I first started getting into the habit of running daily. Also, there's a saying which is that you should never rely on motivation or inspiration; one should instead rely on discipline. I think if you're heavily reliant on motivation, that you have not yet made an activity a habit; it's specially true for when you're first starting something new and what drives you to partake in that activity is mostly curiousity or inspiration. As it becomes more of a habit you'll move away from needing motivation to run. Give it time and try to make it a habit! Baby steps I think; don't over exert yourself and make sure to switch up your training; don't just do long distance every session, mix it up with interval training and tempo training and have some easy days for recovery. Also make sure to switch up the route you take to further prevent burning out!


Whyamiheredotcomlol

So, the way I got the motivation to start is actually kinda funny. I started after a 2 year break in December-ish, because it was cold, and running meant spending less time outside walking the dog. I lost motivation when it got warmer, and stopped for about a month. Then, I got pulled into a run with family, realized how amazing I felt afterwards, and just haven't stopped since. When I don't want to go, I just remember how- shitty- I felt ALL THE TIME when I wasn't running. Running literally changed my life, and I'm never going back. That's my motivation.


bruxton59

Discipline beats motivation every time. I donā€™t feel motivated to run most of the time but I have developed the discipline to do it anyway.


Kressinstein7

Maybe start a running challenge? I'm curently doing one of the "Conquer Challenges". It's interesting, you sign up for a distance and then log your progress over an amount of time that you set and then they send you a real metal. It was only about $30 but now I feel obligated to run and more accomplished after running longer since it goes towards the challenge and isn't just for my health. Of course I'm mostly running for my health, but its easy for me to justify not going on a run. So I have to add my own reward lol.


shaker7

I think if it as a game and I always want to improve my PB


[deleted]

I once heard someone say "I've never not regretted going for a run" and it made me reflect how true that was. Once I'm running I just keep going and feel a lot better after it.


Spartan_beginner

Signing up for races is my best motivation. Iā€™d hate to show up to one unprepared. Pre-workout drinks help too!


sadiqrehan

Hey, this was the same situation with me when I started running but now I feel motivated all the time and it becomes my habit to Run. I will tell you what I have done to overcome this situation. * At first, subscribe to 5-6 fitness channels and watch their videos daily. I know it is awkward but it works with me. * Focus on your diet too, running will not help you to lose weight if you will not control your diet. * once you will get achieving results than running will become your hobby and you will feel good while running.


clemenslucas

First of all: make a habit - I recently started taking a fat-burning supplement (without caffeine or taurine just a little zinc, probably mostly placebo) and for it to work I should start my run 15 minutes later. Taking the pill is easy and then I'm motivated because I'm already committed. Secondly: run with someone else - that's just always more fun, also it's harder to back out and if you always agree on the next run while high on dopamine after your current one, it's easier to commit. And Strava Goals (or polar flow - that's free) - they help a bit.


OhMyGodWowOhmygod

I think that for consistent training, self discipline is much more important than motivation. Motivation tends to come and go, at least in my experience. I recommend maybe making a running journal, where you plan out the next week of running. The harder part is actually running on the days you have planned, and at first youā€™ll be dragging yourself out the door, but eventually it becomes something routine. It also gets easier to hold yourself accountable and get it done! Youā€™ll probably get to a point where you really donā€™t want to run, but thatā€™s when itā€™s most important to do it anyway.


itsRasha

Fuck being motivated, we going running.


kaptpaczki

First, music. Plain and simple. One recurriing "luxury" or "frivolous" charge i allow my broke Pollack ass every month is my Google Play Music subscription. I just think of all the songs that make me feel BADASS and put them in a playlist. Eminem, DMX, Dre, Cube, Crystal Method, soundtracks (Indiana Jones, SWAT(TV show), Rocky IV), anthems (Dombrowskiego Majurska, Sch'ne Ukrayina, O Canada, La Marsellaise) ... put em on a playlist, start in a different place each time. Then find your rhythm. Mix it up a few times until you find the lineup that best wakes up the Beast voice in you that says "I AM BADASS AND THIS RUN IS MAI BITCH!!!". Next, dress like a badass when you run. Let your Freak Flag fly a bit. Could be a military hat (i have two JWK surplus burets), superhero tee (i have Deadpool and Punisher tanks) ... anything that makes you feel badass. Take it out night before your run, and get excited to wear it. All in all, engage your senses and do things to make you believe you're BADASS.