Do You Lack Motivation?

Do you lack motivation during the colder Winter months? I'll admit, it's been harder for me to get outside this year than in years past. I think it's because the temps are colder in the morning, it's dreary and rainy but no SNOW. I want snow. I crave snow. I love running in the snow. It's just so pretty, and to me, makes the colder temps bearable! Where is my snow?!?

Instead, this week it's been rain and wind. I had mad plans with a friend to run yesterday, but at 6:30am we were messaging back and forth. "It's so windy". "It sounds awful out there.". "The wind chill is in the upper 20's". "Let's bail. Ok". 5 minutes later "You know, we might as just suck it up and do it." "I know. I was thinking the same thing". "See you at 9:45am"

And it was cold. It was windy. It wasn't necessarily easy, and we turned our 3 miles into 5.

(I'll pause a moment for the pat on the back ;) Seriously though, meeting a running buddy was exactly what I needed to get out there. 

But I realize that I can't always have a 'running' buddy to help me out with motivation... and when that's the case I have look for other ways to motivate myself. 

For example: 

If I have a workout that just seems time consuming, instead of ditching the workout because it seems too daunting, I will break it up. A 5 mile run on the treadmill? Sometimes that just isn't happening. But if I think of it as 3 in the morning with a 2 mile run later, that at times is doable. 

If I can't fit in a half hour workout video, I'll do half and finish the other half later. 

I also find that working out first thing in the morning (especially if it's one of my least favorite exercises) works best for me. If I put things off, they usually don't get done. I enjoy running, but I've never been an evening runner. I just don't have the energy. 

So when your motivation isn't at its highest, do what works best for you so that you don't lose momentum. And mix things up. Go to the gym. Try a class. Meet some friends. Try something new. (Maybe even a Virtual Race) Sometimes I lack motivation because I'm doing the same ole thing over and over. I've found that adding something new can spice up my routine (and my muscles). Remember that our body responds to change. 

Lacking motivation? Don't give up - mix it up. 

For more Winter Running Tips, click here. 

Share this on Facebook?
Tweet

 

If you like my blog, or this post, please take a moment to share it with friends. As they say, sharing is caring :)


Share on Tumblr
Add to Flipboard Magazine.

Please Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase using the affiliate link.