Motivation

Finding motivation has been a difficult thing.  There are more things around me that tend to derail my efforts rather than help them; tv commercials for Sonic, the tv shows on Food Network, and the convenience of a hospital cafeteria where I can scan my badge to pay for dinner.  Add in the mix a record snowfall that kept me in the house for two days straight and sub-zero temperatures that keep me off the running path, and you have the perfect storm of zero motivation.

With all that said, there are a few tried and true things I know I can do when I feel motivation slipping.  One of these is revamping the workout soundtrack.  Nothing fuels my motivation more than buying some new songs and applying them to my workout playlist.  Its kind of exciting to know that once I start my run, I'll get to hear a few new songs in the mix.  Plus, working on the playlist makes me envision my run.  I think to those times where I'm struggling to complete my run and try to listen for that music that I know will push to the end.  Something upbeat and with a good rhythm.  This makes it even more essential to me to get out and test the new and improved playlist, see if I got it right!

The one other motivational technique I use may seem leisurely, maybe even a little unconventional.  But when I'm sitting at work and trying to convince myself that my morning run is necessary, I have found that magazines are one of the most convincing tools to get me excited and ready for my morning run.  But not just any magazine.  Usually Runner's World and Women's Health are the two go-to magazines.  Women's Health is concerned with healthy eating and women's health issues, while also providing some exercise tips.  Runner's World is more concerned with the running aspect.  I open one of these and realize I need to be healthier and more active, and I'm out running the next morning.  (If you're a fan of the fashion magazines, you know Glamour or Cosmo, don't worry, these can also provide motivation.  That cute tank will look better if I tone my arms a little.  Its all about perspective!)

Ultimately one has to find their own motivation.  Luckily for me, mine are simple and easily attainable.