Learn something new…
I attended an RRCA Coaching Certification course this past weekend and I found it totally fascinating. It gave me a new surge of energy to work on my training.
I think that anyone can get this type of effect by researching something in the sport. Whether you are learning about a specific technique, watching a documentary about an event or reading the history of a prominent person in the sport…
Any of these options can reignite the spark or stoke the flame to keep you going.
If you’ve found any items that have been particularly motivating for you, feel free to share them in the comments.
Jill Will Run 
The book, “Ultramarathon Man”, was very inspiring. It made me want to compete in Ultras…despite the fact that I only capable or running 5-6 miles at a time 🙂
Another source of motivation is your blog (and other running blogs). Reading about your accomplishments and normal running challenges makes me want to run longer, faster, better…
Finally, I love flipping through “Competitor” magazine or the ads section of “Runner’s World”. The ads for upcoming races (especially those in my area) inspire me to visit the race websites and consider signing up.
In all seriousness, watching the contestants (not Dane, the cheater- the others) from The Biggest Loser complete a marathon was extremely inspiring! I’m training for my first marathon after completing several halves. I sometimes get concerned that I won’t be able to finish the entire 26.2 miles and then I think of The Biggest Loser and I believe in myself again!
-Kayla
I recently started a running group among my friends (mostly Stroller Strides buddies). Our facebook group is up to 15 people in less than a week. Many of these women are new runners and many are training for their first race in August . A couple of them are training for their first half marathon. I am very proud of the fact that I have helped them become interested in running and setting goals for themselves that they might not have otherwise set.
This motivates me to keep on my own training so I can practice what I preach. It motivates me to learn as much as I can so I can help them reach their goals. I am more excited for them to run the race than I am to run it myself.
i get overly excited when i put together a new training plan – just can’t wait to run all the miles! running books (fiction or non) also pump me up. when i read “pre”, my running partner told me i was running harder than usual – i told her it was ’cause i was reading the book and it made me want to run more and run faster!
of course i, too, am also motivated by the accomplishments and training of other bloggers like katie r.
glad the training went well and you enjoyed it!
Hi Jill,
Thanks for the comment on my blog site about Badwater! Will you be running Joyce’s Running With The Devil race next weekend too? any of the distances?
I will be there running the 50! Hope to see you there.
Jarom
Jarom: Nope, I won’t be doing the Devil race. I contemplated doing the 1/2 to see how it compared to the 1/2 in January… but I’m not ready to face that kind of heat on purpose! I’m running the Bryce Canyon Half Marathon in July.