Maintaining motivation is key to achieving success as a runner. As a runner, I know firsthand how important it is to stay motivated to achieve your goals. While it can be easy to stay motivated when you first start a training program, it can be a challenge to maintain that motivation over the long term. In this article, I’ll share some of the strategies that have helped me stay motivated to run, even when it’s tough.

Create a Plan: One of the most effective ways to stay motivated is to have a structured plan for your training. I create my own training plan, or I have Coach Christie of Wahoo Running create a plan for me. I generally use VDOT O2 which syncs directly with my Garmin watch, making it easy to track my progress and adjust my plan as needed. Breaking down my larger goals into smaller, more manageable milestones helps me stay focused and motivated, and scheduling specific workouts, rest days, and recovery periods keeps me on track. By having a clear plan in place, I am better equipped to stay motivated and committed to my running goals.

Find a Buddy: Running with a friend or training partner can provide motivation and accountability. For me, running with my friend Jay almost every Saturday is a great way to stay motivated. Knowing that he is counting on me to show up for our run helps keep me accountable, and sharing our progress and setbacks with each other helps us both stay on track. Plus, we have great conversations about everything from real estate to sports while we run. I even prioritize our long runs together, sometimes adjusting my schedule to make sure we can run together. If you don’t have a regular running buddy, consider joining a local running group or connecting with other runners online. Having a supportive community can make a big difference in staying motivated and committed to your running goals.

Mix it Up: Doing the same workout day after day can lead to boredom and burnout. By incorporating different types of workouts, such as interval training, tempo runs, or hill repeats, you can keep your training fresh and challenging. Trying new routes or running with a different group can also help keep things interesting and motivating.

Celebrate Your Successes: Take time to celebrate your achievements along the way. Whether it’s hitting a new distance, setting a personal best time, or simply sticking to your training plan for a set amount of time, acknowledging and celebrating your successes can help boost your motivation and keep you focused on your goals.

Set Goals: Setting specific, measurable goals can help keep you focused and motivated. Whether it’s finishing a race, running a certain distance, or achieving a personal best time, having a clear goal in mind can give you something to work towards.

Remember, staying motivated is not always easy, and it’s normal to experience setbacks and plateaus along the way. But by creating a structured plan, seeking out support and accountability, and incorporating new and challenging workouts into your training routine, you can stay motivated and achieve your running goals.