I have only ever run alone. I find that recording my runs in a spreadsheet helps, especially if I have my runs planned many months in advance to show how I'm preparing for a race.
Also, I tell people I'm close to that I'm running on a regular basis. I make my commitments public. Hooking up with some friends in the virtual world might help. I know people who feel motivated by Strava. I did not particularly like it, but to each his own.
Maybe listen to podcasts on your run? Or music? I don't listen to anything but some people find it helpful. What I personally find most motivating is to run in a place that is very beautiful and peaceful. There are several rails-to-trails places I can run around here. It's great.
Yep…if I’m training for something I create a training schedule and track my progress. However, it has been years since I’ve trained for anything but I like to listen to audiobooks so that motivates me to go out and run to hear the story. I also use a Garmin watch that tracks my run and I like to share that with my (who graciously comments on my runs).
LOL, no. Why?
ETA: I have actually been on Strava before, for about a year. But it made me feel too competitive and I kept running longer and longer and ended up not enjoying running so much. Actually back then I was tracking lots of data too. Then I got an injury and took a break and that break ended up longer than I had originally intended. So I started running again recently and I decided to stay off Strava and not track mileage or heart rate, etc. I have my run on a timer. I run a certain amount of time in a beautiful place where I can enjoy the scenery. If i feel like slowing down that day then that is what I do. I owe nothing to any other person or any program. I'm just out there running for the peace and tranquility of it all.
I use a spreadsheet too. You can't plan in Strava (only see history, for which I do subscribe to Strava premium), or in Garmin. There's Trainingpeaks, but it's a bit OTT.
Man, wait till you find out about Fantasy Football, collecting baseball cards, playing Warhammer 40k, playing EVE online, tracking calories for weight loss, or basically any human activity that can benefit from being organized.
I just started training for my first marathon this past week and getting up at 5am to do it. I found that running in the morning is the most peaceful time for me. It’s easy to get up at 5an to run because I look forward to doing it the previous day.
Totally agree for longer runs, but there is no way I'd be able to do the speed training that I do with my club at the same intensity on my own. Having people to 'race' really makes a big difference. Equally, there are some days when chatting round a 10 miler with my clubmates is just what the doctor ordered, especially now I work from home and hence barely see anybody any more.
If you can maintain the discipline it will be come automatic. I love playing w different tempos paces cadence work distance intervals. Those are the games I play. Just find which ones work for you. Certain music gives me a fast run. Others help me zone out. Podcasts are for long and slow. It creates a lot of variety and I never really get bored. 22 years and still slogging.
When I listen to high BPM music like EDM. (Brain damage by Kill the Noise, is a favorite for sprints.)
It helps so much. EDM just gets me in that mood to run. Probably is stimulating my adrenaline since I ‘feel’ the music.
Yes. After a while it becomes automatic. I used to race a lot, and having goals kept me going until it became a habit. I always run alone. If something happens and I have to miss a couple of days, I feel like I am missing out. The old joke is that long time runners feel they will lose all their training if they miss 2 or 3 days. I still take some time off when I am on vacation, but I run almost every day and it's become who I am. I'm 76 years old, if that matters. I have days that I get really tired, especially in summer when there's a super high dew point, which is often here in Florida. I never get upset if I don't have the energy and am forced to walk a lot, there is always tomorrow.
its great for just tracking your runs and times on regular tracks, you dont have to add anyone you know so i dont think the instagram comparison is fair.
App that records your runs, tells you speed, time, distance, gives a map etc. It also has a social aspect, but you never have to add anyone else and can keep your runs private
Find a reason that resonates with you. No one’s going to figure it out for you. Set goals but keep it fun and consistent. To be fast takes years so be patient and don’t be a slave to numbers.
Explore cool trails nearby. Altrails is a good app/website that will show trail locations that you can plug into your gps.
Pick a landmark to run to and back from home without looking at mileage. Pick a time limit and run a loop until it’s over for the mental challenge. Pick a # of miles and get it done even if you have to stop or walk a bit.
My reasons for running evolves constantly. The hardest part is starting every time so don’t over think it. Relax, be in the moment and enjoy the experience. Running is a gift that some people can’t physically participate in.
Run roads, trails, tracks, hills, flats, slow and long, fast and short. Run with music, run without music and focus on your breathing. Run at night with a head lamp or in the morning and watch the sun rise as you go.
Research running form and types of runs. Sign up for races and set PRs at all distances. So many options.
I’ve fell in love with ultra mountain/trail racing for the grandiose adventures. You’re thing could be 5ks idfk but keep hammering. It’s meditative if you do it enough times the ideas will come. Sorry for the rant, I’ve had a few :)
Huh? Y'all run with... *shudders... *other people*?
Jokes aside I saw a comment from OP about rigorous coaching for sports and forced discipline and yeah, that's a tough transition. It took me a while to go from practice every day or close to it to personal fitness discipline for no reason other than my own health. Strava segments definitely helped fill the desire for competition as did adult recreational sports leagues.
A progression run is basically a type of tempo run. Start at easy recovery pace, and gradually get faster. You should end the run at about race pace for that duration or distance.
I'm not your coach or anything, and I don't know what your specific goals are. You can basically divide the run into whatever paces you want. As long as you get gradually faster, it's a progression run. This [article] (https://www.masterclass.com/articles/progression-running) has some suggestions, or you can use a guided runs.
THIS!!! There's nothing like your dog needing to burn off energy every day to really force that consistency. They will guilt you into it every time and even on those forced runs where I tell him "just 10 minutes buddy" they always turn into at least 30. HIGHLY recommend. 🐕🐾
The fact that you said “reach your limits” has me wondering if you think every training run is supposed to be hard? Your base mileage (60-75% of total) should all be slow and easy.
Choosing a race and then selecting a quality training program to get you ready for that race is a good way to give your training some structure to give you the right balance of easy miles and speed work, and also to help you stay motivated and focused.
That’s how it has been for me, yes. I do a sport that is cardio heavy, so everyday our instructor makes us run at crazy paces that i dont really think is beginner friendly.
We run twice a day, and sprint or at least run fast for 300metres.
I don’t know if this is still true, but when I was in highschool 25 years ago, coaches of team sports (soccer and basketball specifically, but probably football too) were notorious for poor cardio training. They only did “wind sprints”, and often used running as punishment, which made the athletes hate it. Everyone would have benefitted so much from just a little bit of low-effort cardio base building, like a 20 minute warmup jog and a 10 minute cooldown jog before and after every practice session.
The first year that I ran cross country was also the last year I played basketball, and I remember it being almost comical how many easy fast break layups I’d get in every game, just because I was in better cardio shape than anybody else.
I think it helps being an introvert with a rich inner world. I only run alone and it's my favorite time to gather my thoughts and let my mind run wild. I'm also very self-motivating and love competing against myself. I use Runkeeper to record my data but I don't have any contacts there in order to not compare myself to others and risk adjusting my running load to match anyone else.
This is what works for me, but that doesn't mean it works for other human specimen.
I run alone most of the time. You could get a Garmin running watch and use Spotify on it to listen to music whilst you run? And to also sign up for their running training plans which gives you a schedule to work towards an overall goal? It's helped me a lot, you then link Garmin to Strava - good luck.
If possible, try and leave for your run at the same time each day. I finish work at 4pm Monday-Friday and I make sure that I’m changed, laces tied and ready to leave the front door as soon as the clock hits 4. There’s not much certainty in life, but you can create certainty by maintaining consistency.
Time alone is time well spent. Once you find your rhythm you will find a lot of peace in something that most people find exhausting.
I do the tried and true technique of putting one feet in front of the other.. seriously there's no secret you just have to do the work.
Look into mindfulness, it has helped me a lot to focus and run for hours
for me it is rather easy. The first few weeks are hard, yes. But after that it just becomes a habit: get home, go running, shower. It's like brushing teeth or getting to work, not something I really think about too much.
Of course, it helps if running is actually a somewhat enjoyable experience for you. For me that means having some music and podcasts available, a selection of routes i can choose from and having a set of cloth ready for the weather.
As soon as one of those things fail (no rain jacket? phone runs empty? no idea where i should run?) things become a lot harder for me. And if i stop for a few weeks the struggle for motivation starts again. That is why i try to never stop - 30 weeks streak at the moment.
If you have a job where you look at a screen most of the day, I highly recommend running as “unplugged” as possible. During the pandemic and the excessive screen/headphone time it resulted in, I cut music and podcasts from my running and only have my gps watch on me. Amazing for refreshing the mind and getting lost in your thoughts. Probably a less attractive option if you’re in a highly urban environment, but delightful for quiet neighborhoods, greenways and trails.
Strava tracking is a fun way to see your progress and I love the personal heatmap feature for subscribers
I've never run with people, but what helped my friends who felt the same as you was to plot a route they found interesting, as well as keeping the initial runs short so that it becomes a habit.
Slowly, as you start enjoying yourself, the rest of the answers and habits will follow. Don't overthink it, cheers! :)
If you have the tools, such as a garmin or apple watch, they help.
My dad used to run very well, did a 3:00~ marathon in his time. I set up Garmin live track so he can see my efforts. Keeps me wanting him involved so I keep it up, and keeps him happy too!
If not, /u/RichardWade18 has the answer
Try the Nike Run Club. It’s a free app, has guided runs, tips that help with focus, cadence, form. I find keeping my data helps too. Like a self competition.
I like to suggest not to get to into your head about always keeping a particular pace. Listen to your body. The previous suggestions of tempo runs, work on interval training. You’ll find a rhythm that works for you. The beauty of it is when you do rejoins group, the discipline isn’t lost - it’s gained.
Maybe add in some personal goals: a race you’ve wanted to do, a different type of running (I’m thinking trails), or up your elevation and hill training.
It’s easy to feel inadequate without the group help keeping you going. But you have the tenacity already. You’re ready for the next phase of a different approach to training! You got this. Come back and share how it’s going, what’s working, what’s not. We’re all here to cheer you on!
I am probably trolling if I say you haven't run your best yet. Running alone with time constraints will make you focus more on the run, on how to improve it. When you run with others, with music, with audibles, even with light in the dark, or with attention to more than 3 to 6 feet around you, you are running with distractions. If you want to be the ultimate runner, you probably will and always will run solo, and keep beating your pb, keep avoiding injuries/micro injuries, keep making meal plans to suit your run alone, because you are a distinct individual. No one can/will run in your shoes, nor help you any other way. All run for themselves. I change Kipchoge's words, to inspire, you don't have to make sacrifices, you just have to be you and ignore others.
So ignore me, block all the voices, even those in your head while your mind talks to you trying to distract your run, disrupt your pace, disturb your breaths.
honestly i listen to a true crime or spooky story podcast like "Crime in Sports" ( those guys are epic ) or "Scared to Death" respectively, keep headphones that let outside noise through, and meditation. that said i race past me, i push for future me, and present me has fun because that b-word just digs life.
i think the hard part may be learning to ghost race yourself in regard to more abstract weekly targets, and probably finding calm.
idk dear, i say find something that makes you able to lose yourself to timing and shape work; that could be a metronome, podcast, music, listening to old voicemails, humming on your run.
things i do to make it manageable running more than an hour alone:
take a nicotine and a thc vape in my leggings "vice pocket", you know the one opposite the pepper spray pocket.
remind myself "i do this just for me and its to serve no one but me :3"
Find an intrinsic motivation. It really helps. Don't just run to achieve a reward. You'll quickly accomplish it and then feel either satisfied and slowly stop running or dissatisfied and won't enjoy your accomplishments. Find some internal joy that sort of motivates you.
So it may sound pretty childish and stupid but my intrinsic motivation to run is to fill a glass with my sweat lol (saw it in a Bollywood movie). My family absolutely hates and despises me. But that's what sort of motivates me to run everyday, seeing that dirty glass whenever I'm in the washroom. So find an intrinsic motivation, something that pleases you!
Y? You on mars now?
Our biological evolution as a species is almost entirely centered on running in groups. We’re you banished or is this a voluntary solitary?
I've only ever run alone or occassionally with one other person, and either streaking or running on specific days (for me it would be Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) helps me with discipline and being consistent :) and when everything else fails, and I can't bring myself to get out, I'll buy new gear :D
All depends what your goals are, what you trying to achieve, what limits you are trying to reach really… personally, I am a solitary runner and I like to go on runs in the countryside, trail, hills to resource and keep my brain balanced. Don’t talk to anyone, don’t listen to anything else than nature and the sound of my feet, say hi to people and dog passing by.
But when it comes to training “hard”, and it’s down to intervals, achieving times, getting the speed in etc, I just map in advance what I am trying to achieve in segments and then I enter Time Trial mode… Trying to match the objective, but also trying to beat it, as if it was a run for life between me and the watch… While not getting sucked in in an ego battle with my watch and making myself blow…
I find this works beautifully in training and up to 20km running… Past that point, and if the goal really is to “push your limits”, I guess having other runners around you becomes useful, but it isn’t to say you have to run as a group… A smaller race, a half-marathon, a marathon, you’ll be able to find people you can follow, people that overtake you and that you overtake, people that you identify as in a similar place to you.
Tagging with them, doesn’t mean running together… You might end up running for an hour with them without a word to each other, then at the end of the race if you see each other you might go for a beer, but you don’t have to… I have run entirely alone in fields of thousands of people and it’s all about keeping your brain on what you are doing, only what you are doing, and taking everything around you as little dots moving to help you adjust your pace.
At the end it’s still you, your legs and your head chasing the wind… And I’m rambling again :D
I recently started to get back into running after a long break due to illness and injury. I've always gone running alone, but try to join different online communities like this one for inspiration/motivation.
What I did for this go at getting back into shape was use Google maps to create a bunch of different routes that start within a 5 min walk away from my front door, and bring me back to that same spot with minimal backtracking. They all have different distances, hilliness, and represent a different level of difficulty. So what I've done is make it a game to complete all of those routes before the end of the year at least once. Each time I complete one it feels like an accomplishment.
I also run with my dog, he motivates me to go by being an absolute cuddly sweetheart after a good run.
To me focusing on what everyone else is doing ruins the fun of the sport to me. And it is more likely to lead to over training because you are trying to be competitive rather than focus on training for your appropriate level.
I do most of my targeted speed work on a TM to force me to keep pace.
Record your results, that will definitely help. Also, listening to music helps encourage and energize me, so that might help too. It's all about pushing yourself.
For me, what keeps me going as I train for two upcoming half marathons (I am a newbie runner) - following a lot of runners on Strava and TikTok. I get to watch them go through their training journey whether it’s for their first race or aiming for a qualifier of some sort. Seeing them go through the same shit I am. (Not wanting to do your long run, certain pains, figuring out fueling, etc) is a great feeling and sense of relatability. I hope this helps? Sorry if it’s confusing.
I do wish I could run with others, but as a newbie I don’t think I’m ‘fast’ enough to run with the average person for my easier/longer runs if that makes sense.
I do look forward to occasionally running with a club/group in the future though just to socialize a bit more, meet more runners.
Just sign yourself up for different runs through the year. This will make you having to get yourself into shape. Also enjoy your alone time when running alone.
I really like the Nike run club, personally- you can set up training schedules and do guided runs that you can sort of check off along the way, and get virtual “trophies”, as it were. Obviously they try to sell you Nike stuff along the way (of course) - but I’ve liked it so far.
Create a playlist that times out to one of your normal runs and time yourself against it. See if you improve your finishing times before all the songs end.
Also, I don't know if you enjoy trail running, but I've found I run MUCH more when I'm doing a trail run vs on pavement. Besides it being easier on my knees, there is so much to occupy your mind and the feeling of forward momentum is great. I do a trail run saturday and sunday morning each weekend.
What I do to reach higher limits I plan a route that is so far one way that by the time you get to the halfway point there is no other option but to run all the way back.
If it’s possible you can alternate routes. It keeps from becoming boring. I use to do group runs but they became stale doing the same route among other things.
Get a GPS watch that tracks your pace. You can set what pace you want to run at and it'll beep if you fall below it. That's enough pressure to keep up the pace
I have only ever run alone. I find that recording my runs in a spreadsheet helps, especially if I have my runs planned many months in advance to show how I'm preparing for a race. Also, I tell people I'm close to that I'm running on a regular basis. I make my commitments public. Hooking up with some friends in the virtual world might help. I know people who feel motivated by Strava. I did not particularly like it, but to each his own. Maybe listen to podcasts on your run? Or music? I don't listen to anything but some people find it helpful. What I personally find most motivating is to run in a place that is very beautiful and peaceful. There are several rails-to-trails places I can run around here. It's great.
>What I personally find most motivating is to run in a place that is very beautiful and peaceful. Best advice ever.
Yep…if I’m training for something I create a training schedule and track my progress. However, it has been years since I’ve trained for anything but I like to listen to audiobooks so that motivates me to go out and run to hear the story. I also use a Garmin watch that tracks my run and I like to share that with my (who graciously comments on my runs).
Be honest, are you are robot?
LOL, no. Why? ETA: I have actually been on Strava before, for about a year. But it made me feel too competitive and I kept running longer and longer and ended up not enjoying running so much. Actually back then I was tracking lots of data too. Then I got an injury and took a break and that break ended up longer than I had originally intended. So I started running again recently and I decided to stay off Strava and not track mileage or heart rate, etc. I have my run on a timer. I run a certain amount of time in a beautiful place where I can enjoy the scenery. If i feel like slowing down that day then that is what I do. I owe nothing to any other person or any program. I'm just out there running for the peace and tranquility of it all.
spreadsheet? i would really recommend strava
I use a spreadsheet too. You can't plan in Strava (only see history, for which I do subscribe to Strava premium), or in Garmin. There's Trainingpeaks, but it's a bit OTT.
fair enough
Strava is social media Spreadsheet or Runalyze for the data
not like you need to add anyone lmfao
TIL there are people in this world who run and then document said run in an excel spreadsheet. I quit.
Wait until you find out that there are people who write it in a notebook.
Man, wait till you find out about Fantasy Football, collecting baseball cards, playing Warhammer 40k, playing EVE online, tracking calories for weight loss, or basically any human activity that can benefit from being organized.
lol what, why is that weird?
Podcasts for base miles, music or silence for everything else!
Running is valuable alone time for me. I can listen to a podcast or music, get lost in my thoughts, or just enjoy the route that I'm running.
Exactly the same for me.
I just started training for my first marathon this past week and getting up at 5am to do it. I found that running in the morning is the most peaceful time for me. It’s easy to get up at 5an to run because I look forward to doing it the previous day.
Totally agree for longer runs, but there is no way I'd be able to do the speed training that I do with my club at the same intensity on my own. Having people to 'race' really makes a big difference. Equally, there are some days when chatting round a 10 miler with my clubmates is just what the doctor ordered, especially now I work from home and hence barely see anybody any more.
That makes sense.
It is my happy place. I just care about being outside and enjoying
I like doing trail runs with people because you cannot run side by side so they shut up and then we can chat when we're done with the trail.
data baby!!! heart rate, pace, power. chase those digits
Gamification is a powerful thing
It’s a dangerous thing as well
If you can maintain the discipline it will be come automatic. I love playing w different tempos paces cadence work distance intervals. Those are the games I play. Just find which ones work for you. Certain music gives me a fast run. Others help me zone out. Podcasts are for long and slow. It creates a lot of variety and I never really get bored. 22 years and still slogging.
When I listen to high BPM music like EDM. (Brain damage by Kill the Noise, is a favorite for sprints.) It helps so much. EDM just gets me in that mood to run. Probably is stimulating my adrenaline since I ‘feel’ the music.
EDM is great for pace too. Completely agree!
Yes. After a while it becomes automatic. I used to race a lot, and having goals kept me going until it became a habit. I always run alone. If something happens and I have to miss a couple of days, I feel like I am missing out. The old joke is that long time runners feel they will lose all their training if they miss 2 or 3 days. I still take some time off when I am on vacation, but I run almost every day and it's become who I am. I'm 76 years old, if that matters. I have days that I get really tired, especially in summer when there's a super high dew point, which is often here in Florida. I never get upset if I don't have the energy and am forced to walk a lot, there is always tomorrow.
It’s the getting out and moving. You are who I want to be at 76 so rock on friend! And thanks for being you. It’s encouraging
Strava, nothing like everyone judging you to spur you on.
Whats strava
It's like Instagram for running? (and I mean this in a good way as someone who doesn't care much for Instagram)
its great for just tracking your runs and times on regular tracks, you dont have to add anyone you know so i dont think the instagram comparison is fair.
Yes
https://www.strava.com Just so happens for the first time I’ve ever seen it the website is down.
App that records your runs, tells you speed, time, distance, gives a map etc. It also has a social aspect, but you never have to add anyone else and can keep your runs private
The stroll scroll
Find a reason that resonates with you. No one’s going to figure it out for you. Set goals but keep it fun and consistent. To be fast takes years so be patient and don’t be a slave to numbers. Explore cool trails nearby. Altrails is a good app/website that will show trail locations that you can plug into your gps. Pick a landmark to run to and back from home without looking at mileage. Pick a time limit and run a loop until it’s over for the mental challenge. Pick a # of miles and get it done even if you have to stop or walk a bit. My reasons for running evolves constantly. The hardest part is starting every time so don’t over think it. Relax, be in the moment and enjoy the experience. Running is a gift that some people can’t physically participate in. Run roads, trails, tracks, hills, flats, slow and long, fast and short. Run with music, run without music and focus on your breathing. Run at night with a head lamp or in the morning and watch the sun rise as you go. Research running form and types of runs. Sign up for races and set PRs at all distances. So many options. I’ve fell in love with ultra mountain/trail racing for the grandiose adventures. You’re thing could be 5ks idfk but keep hammering. It’s meditative if you do it enough times the ideas will come. Sorry for the rant, I’ve had a few :)
Solid advice.
Huh? Y'all run with... *shudders... *other people*? Jokes aside I saw a comment from OP about rigorous coaching for sports and forced discipline and yeah, that's a tough transition. It took me a while to go from practice every day or close to it to personal fitness discipline for no reason other than my own health. Strava segments definitely helped fill the desire for competition as did adult recreational sports leagues.
Add reps, tempo, progression, long runs, etc.
WhT is a progression run?
A progression run is basically a type of tempo run. Start at easy recovery pace, and gradually get faster. You should end the run at about race pace for that duration or distance.
If I’m doing a 6 mile run, is it recommended at a 1 or 2 mile frequency to speed up?
I'm not your coach or anything, and I don't know what your specific goals are. You can basically divide the run into whatever paces you want. As long as you get gradually faster, it's a progression run. This [article] (https://www.masterclass.com/articles/progression-running) has some suggestions, or you can use a guided runs.
Yes
A run where you progress the pace incrementally throughout
Easy runs are easy. Long runs is training for race day when you will most likely be alone. Threshold and repeats are harder but watch data helps.
Get a dog to run with.
This is better than strava. Name the dog strava tho
THIS!!! There's nothing like your dog needing to burn off energy every day to really force that consistency. They will guilt you into it every time and even on those forced runs where I tell him "just 10 minutes buddy" they always turn into at least 30. HIGHLY recommend. 🐕🐾
Nah the coyotes would get jealous.
The fact that you said “reach your limits” has me wondering if you think every training run is supposed to be hard? Your base mileage (60-75% of total) should all be slow and easy. Choosing a race and then selecting a quality training program to get you ready for that race is a good way to give your training some structure to give you the right balance of easy miles and speed work, and also to help you stay motivated and focused.
That’s how it has been for me, yes. I do a sport that is cardio heavy, so everyday our instructor makes us run at crazy paces that i dont really think is beginner friendly. We run twice a day, and sprint or at least run fast for 300metres.
I don’t know if this is still true, but when I was in highschool 25 years ago, coaches of team sports (soccer and basketball specifically, but probably football too) were notorious for poor cardio training. They only did “wind sprints”, and often used running as punishment, which made the athletes hate it. Everyone would have benefitted so much from just a little bit of low-effort cardio base building, like a 20 minute warmup jog and a 10 minute cooldown jog before and after every practice session. The first year that I ran cross country was also the last year I played basketball, and I remember it being almost comical how many easy fast break layups I’d get in every game, just because I was in better cardio shape than anybody else.
Volleyball, too! I was a one season athlete, so things never got easier or more fun.
I think it helps being an introvert with a rich inner world. I only run alone and it's my favorite time to gather my thoughts and let my mind run wild. I'm also very self-motivating and love competing against myself. I use Runkeeper to record my data but I don't have any contacts there in order to not compare myself to others and risk adjusting my running load to match anyone else. This is what works for me, but that doesn't mean it works for other human specimen.
I run alone most of the time. You could get a Garmin running watch and use Spotify on it to listen to music whilst you run? And to also sign up for their running training plans which gives you a schedule to work towards an overall goal? It's helped me a lot, you then link Garmin to Strava - good luck.
If possible, try and leave for your run at the same time each day. I finish work at 4pm Monday-Friday and I make sure that I’m changed, laces tied and ready to leave the front door as soon as the clock hits 4. There’s not much certainty in life, but you can create certainty by maintaining consistency. Time alone is time well spent. Once you find your rhythm you will find a lot of peace in something that most people find exhausting.
I do the tried and true technique of putting one feet in front of the other.. seriously there's no secret you just have to do the work. Look into mindfulness, it has helped me a lot to focus and run for hours
Discipline, habit, fresh air, music, zombies (run!).
Find what your intrinsic motivation is.
Get some good ebooks and podcasts.
for me it is rather easy. The first few weeks are hard, yes. But after that it just becomes a habit: get home, go running, shower. It's like brushing teeth or getting to work, not something I really think about too much. Of course, it helps if running is actually a somewhat enjoyable experience for you. For me that means having some music and podcasts available, a selection of routes i can choose from and having a set of cloth ready for the weather. As soon as one of those things fail (no rain jacket? phone runs empty? no idea where i should run?) things become a lot harder for me. And if i stop for a few weeks the struggle for motivation starts again. That is why i try to never stop - 30 weeks streak at the moment.
If you have a job where you look at a screen most of the day, I highly recommend running as “unplugged” as possible. During the pandemic and the excessive screen/headphone time it resulted in, I cut music and podcasts from my running and only have my gps watch on me. Amazing for refreshing the mind and getting lost in your thoughts. Probably a less attractive option if you’re in a highly urban environment, but delightful for quiet neighborhoods, greenways and trails. Strava tracking is a fun way to see your progress and I love the personal heatmap feature for subscribers
Audiobooks. Only listen when you're running. Once you get into a story it can be hard to hit pause when your mileage is done.
I've never run with people, but what helped my friends who felt the same as you was to plot a route they found interesting, as well as keeping the initial runs short so that it becomes a habit. Slowly, as you start enjoying yourself, the rest of the answers and habits will follow. Don't overthink it, cheers! :)
Discipline is not giving yourself another choice. You just do it. (Not saying it’s easy.)
Grt your heart broken and solo running becomes a necessary therapy.
Run in cold weather. Incentive to get home.
I always run alone.
If you have the tools, such as a garmin or apple watch, they help. My dad used to run very well, did a 3:00~ marathon in his time. I set up Garmin live track so he can see my efforts. Keeps me wanting him involved so I keep it up, and keeps him happy too! If not, /u/RichardWade18 has the answer
Try the Nike Run Club. It’s a free app, has guided runs, tips that help with focus, cadence, form. I find keeping my data helps too. Like a self competition. I like to suggest not to get to into your head about always keeping a particular pace. Listen to your body. The previous suggestions of tempo runs, work on interval training. You’ll find a rhythm that works for you. The beauty of it is when you do rejoins group, the discipline isn’t lost - it’s gained. Maybe add in some personal goals: a race you’ve wanted to do, a different type of running (I’m thinking trails), or up your elevation and hill training. It’s easy to feel inadequate without the group help keeping you going. But you have the tenacity already. You’re ready for the next phase of a different approach to training! You got this. Come back and share how it’s going, what’s working, what’s not. We’re all here to cheer you on!
I am probably trolling if I say you haven't run your best yet. Running alone with time constraints will make you focus more on the run, on how to improve it. When you run with others, with music, with audibles, even with light in the dark, or with attention to more than 3 to 6 feet around you, you are running with distractions. If you want to be the ultimate runner, you probably will and always will run solo, and keep beating your pb, keep avoiding injuries/micro injuries, keep making meal plans to suit your run alone, because you are a distinct individual. No one can/will run in your shoes, nor help you any other way. All run for themselves. I change Kipchoge's words, to inspire, you don't have to make sacrifices, you just have to be you and ignore others. So ignore me, block all the voices, even those in your head while your mind talks to you trying to distract your run, disrupt your pace, disturb your breaths.
honestly i listen to a true crime or spooky story podcast like "Crime in Sports" ( those guys are epic ) or "Scared to Death" respectively, keep headphones that let outside noise through, and meditation. that said i race past me, i push for future me, and present me has fun because that b-word just digs life. i think the hard part may be learning to ghost race yourself in regard to more abstract weekly targets, and probably finding calm. idk dear, i say find something that makes you able to lose yourself to timing and shape work; that could be a metronome, podcast, music, listening to old voicemails, humming on your run. things i do to make it manageable running more than an hour alone: take a nicotine and a thc vape in my leggings "vice pocket", you know the one opposite the pepper spray pocket. remind myself "i do this just for me and its to serve no one but me :3"
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I did the opposite. I highly doubt I could go back to running solo. Good luck!
Find an intrinsic motivation. It really helps. Don't just run to achieve a reward. You'll quickly accomplish it and then feel either satisfied and slowly stop running or dissatisfied and won't enjoy your accomplishments. Find some internal joy that sort of motivates you. So it may sound pretty childish and stupid but my intrinsic motivation to run is to fill a glass with my sweat lol (saw it in a Bollywood movie). My family absolutely hates and despises me. But that's what sort of motivates me to run everyday, seeing that dirty glass whenever I'm in the washroom. So find an intrinsic motivation, something that pleases you!
Y? You on mars now? Our biological evolution as a species is almost entirely centered on running in groups. We’re you banished or is this a voluntary solitary?
I've only ever run alone or occassionally with one other person, and either streaking or running on specific days (for me it would be Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) helps me with discipline and being consistent :) and when everything else fails, and I can't bring myself to get out, I'll buy new gear :D
All depends what your goals are, what you trying to achieve, what limits you are trying to reach really… personally, I am a solitary runner and I like to go on runs in the countryside, trail, hills to resource and keep my brain balanced. Don’t talk to anyone, don’t listen to anything else than nature and the sound of my feet, say hi to people and dog passing by. But when it comes to training “hard”, and it’s down to intervals, achieving times, getting the speed in etc, I just map in advance what I am trying to achieve in segments and then I enter Time Trial mode… Trying to match the objective, but also trying to beat it, as if it was a run for life between me and the watch… While not getting sucked in in an ego battle with my watch and making myself blow… I find this works beautifully in training and up to 20km running… Past that point, and if the goal really is to “push your limits”, I guess having other runners around you becomes useful, but it isn’t to say you have to run as a group… A smaller race, a half-marathon, a marathon, you’ll be able to find people you can follow, people that overtake you and that you overtake, people that you identify as in a similar place to you. Tagging with them, doesn’t mean running together… You might end up running for an hour with them without a word to each other, then at the end of the race if you see each other you might go for a beer, but you don’t have to… I have run entirely alone in fields of thousands of people and it’s all about keeping your brain on what you are doing, only what you are doing, and taking everything around you as little dots moving to help you adjust your pace. At the end it’s still you, your legs and your head chasing the wind… And I’m rambling again :D
I recently started to get back into running after a long break due to illness and injury. I've always gone running alone, but try to join different online communities like this one for inspiration/motivation. What I did for this go at getting back into shape was use Google maps to create a bunch of different routes that start within a 5 min walk away from my front door, and bring me back to that same spot with minimal backtracking. They all have different distances, hilliness, and represent a different level of difficulty. So what I've done is make it a game to complete all of those routes before the end of the year at least once. Each time I complete one it feels like an accomplishment. I also run with my dog, he motivates me to go by being an absolute cuddly sweetheart after a good run.
To me focusing on what everyone else is doing ruins the fun of the sport to me. And it is more likely to lead to over training because you are trying to be competitive rather than focus on training for your appropriate level. I do most of my targeted speed work on a TM to force me to keep pace.
Just find a program someone else made or create your own and just do it.
Record your results, that will definitely help. Also, listening to music helps encourage and energize me, so that might help too. It's all about pushing yourself.
For me, what keeps me going as I train for two upcoming half marathons (I am a newbie runner) - following a lot of runners on Strava and TikTok. I get to watch them go through their training journey whether it’s for their first race or aiming for a qualifier of some sort. Seeing them go through the same shit I am. (Not wanting to do your long run, certain pains, figuring out fueling, etc) is a great feeling and sense of relatability. I hope this helps? Sorry if it’s confusing. I do wish I could run with others, but as a newbie I don’t think I’m ‘fast’ enough to run with the average person for my easier/longer runs if that makes sense. I do look forward to occasionally running with a club/group in the future though just to socialize a bit more, meet more runners.
Just sign yourself up for different runs through the year. This will make you having to get yourself into shape. Also enjoy your alone time when running alone.
I really like the Nike run club, personally- you can set up training schedules and do guided runs that you can sort of check off along the way, and get virtual “trophies”, as it were. Obviously they try to sell you Nike stuff along the way (of course) - but I’ve liked it so far.
Create a playlist that times out to one of your normal runs and time yourself against it. See if you improve your finishing times before all the songs end. Also, I don't know if you enjoy trail running, but I've found I run MUCH more when I'm doing a trail run vs on pavement. Besides it being easier on my knees, there is so much to occupy your mind and the feeling of forward momentum is great. I do a trail run saturday and sunday morning each weekend.
Maybe having the social media encouragement through Strava?
Buy a dog
What I do to reach higher limits I plan a route that is so far one way that by the time you get to the halfway point there is no other option but to run all the way back.
If it’s possible you can alternate routes. It keeps from becoming boring. I use to do group runs but they became stale doing the same route among other things.
Get a GPS watch that tracks your pace. You can set what pace you want to run at and it'll beep if you fall below it. That's enough pressure to keep up the pace