Lindsay from Chasing the Kenyans posed the question for this week’s Take it and Run Thursday on the Runner’s Lounge:
Whether training for a specific race or just running for the fun of it, we all experience the ups and downs of running. What do you do to get yourself motivated to run when it feels like it’s the last thing you want to do?
One of the best motivators is buying new gear! Seriously, having a new pair of shoes or gadget will get me out the door every time. But that’s not always practical, especially in this current economy. So some lower cost ways I’ve found to get me out the door:
1) Make plans to run with someone else.
Just knowing that you’ve got a friend who’s going to run with you should get you ready to run. Unless you’re a jerk and you like to leave your friends standing on a corner somewhere wondering where you are… But not only does that make you accountable to someone else, it also means you get some quality time to chat with a pal.
2) Make a new playlist.
Sometimes just taking some of the music that you already own, arranging it in a different order and giving the playlist a motivating name does the trick.
3) Try an audiobook.
I have been checking out audiobooks from the library, so it’s a low-cost way to get them. Plus, if they’re designated for use while running, then I can’t wait to get out the door and hear what is going to happen next. I typically stick with mystery novels or chick lit fluff when running, something that’s not too taxing on the brain.
4) Download a podcast
If you find a podcast you like, knowing there is a new episode coming on a regular basis helps. I like the RunRunLive podcast, but I’ve been exploring a few others lately. Just searching on iTunes will result in plenty of options, from people completing triathlons (Go Erin, you Ironman/Ironwoman!), to Barefoot running to Vegan Running… there’s something for anyone and everyone.
Jill Will Run 
Good list – I LOVE podcasts! Running is pretty much my only free time to listen too them too, so it’s a win win.
(I’m trying to figure out how I can get the local morning news straight to my iphone in the morning so I can multitask even more… too much?) 🙂
thanks for participating jill 🙂 nice list of tips! a little retail therapy is always good, i can’t believe i’ve forgotten about that one.
Thanks for the mention Jill! Ironman was amazing. Maybe that can be your next challenge too. 😉
I want to run with people!! But how I love new gear!!!!
It’s weird, I’ve never really gotten into listening to audiobooks, but my long runs on my own can be kind of boring. I may have to try downloading one of them from my library and also hope that it can fit on my ipod because i just don’t want to have to run with my iPhone – it’s too big!
By the way, I see you’re listed on Wellsphere now – I’ve been thinking of getting off of it actually but have to look for the email that said how to do it – what do you think of it? All I seem to get out of it is more spam.