8 Ways to Love Running
Updated July 29, 2014.
Like all relationships, a love affair with running has its ups and down. One day you can’t imagine your life without running, and the next you may be cursing at yourself (while running, of course) for getting started with this crazy sport.
If you have moments when your love for running is fading (and who doesn't?), here are some ways to re-ignite the spark:
Whether you're discussing your past glory days or future running goals, talking about running with other runners can help remind you of why you feel in love with it in the first place.
Also see: How to Find a Running Group
Treat yourself to some new running gear, such as a new shirt or running socks, as a reward for your hard work. The treat will make you feel energized, and reinforce your commitment to your training. After all, who doesn’t look forward to wearing that new, cool-looking running gear on a long run? If you don’t need any new gear, a massage or pedicure is always a nice reward.
Having visual reminders of your running accomplishments can help keep you motivated to get out there again (and collect more bling). Get one of those cool medal hanging racks to keep your race medals organized and add some visual interest to one of your walls.
Also see: 5 Ways to Celebrate Your Running Progress
One way to show yourself how far you’ve come is to share your running knowledge and experience with others. If you have a family member or friend who's expressed an interest in running, ask her if she'd like to join you for a run (at her pace), needs help shopping for running shoes and gear, or maybe even wants to train for a race together. Not only will helping a new runner allow you to see and celebrate your progress, but you’ll also get a motivation boost.
Also see:9 Ways to Help Beginner Runners
Seeing a race through the eyes of a volunteer can change your perspective about racing and get you motivated. Watching runners cry or hug their friends and family members after they finish a race can do wonders for your motivation. To volunteer at a race, look for the volunteer opportunities section on the website or contact the race director through the race website.
Also see: 5 Great Reasons to Volunteer at a Race
Reading other people’s words about running can get you motivated to get back out there, or take on a new running challenge. Check out some of the quote collections below or sign up for daily running quotes.
If you typically run races in your local area, try branching out and traveling to a destination race. Pick a location that you've been wanting to visit and search on web sites like Active.com or MarathonGuide.com to look for races. If you can convince some friends or family members to join you, you can turn it into a mini-vacation getaway.
Also see:How to Pick the Right Race
Whenever I’m spectating at a race, I inevitably get a little jealous of the runners who are out there. I’ve talked to other runners who say the same thing. There’s something about cheering for the runners and remembering what it felt like to hear people supporting you that just makes you want to get out there again.
Also see: 4 Ways Runners Can Give Back
More:
Like all relationships, a love affair with running has its ups and down. One day you can’t imagine your life without running, and the next you may be cursing at yourself (while running, of course) for getting started with this crazy sport.
If you have moments when your love for running is fading (and who doesn't?), here are some ways to re-ignite the spark:
1. Talk to other runners.
Whether you're discussing your past glory days or future running goals, talking about running with other runners can help remind you of why you feel in love with it in the first place.
Also see: How to Find a Running Group
2. Buy yourself some new running gear.
Treat yourself to some new running gear, such as a new shirt or running socks, as a reward for your hard work. The treat will make you feel energized, and reinforce your commitment to your training. After all, who doesn’t look forward to wearing that new, cool-looking running gear on a long run? If you don’t need any new gear, a massage or pedicure is always a nice reward.
3. Display your bling.
Having visual reminders of your running accomplishments can help keep you motivated to get out there again (and collect more bling). Get one of those cool medal hanging racks to keep your race medals organized and add some visual interest to one of your walls.
Also see: 5 Ways to Celebrate Your Running Progress
4. Mentor a new runner.
One way to show yourself how far you’ve come is to share your running knowledge and experience with others. If you have a family member or friend who's expressed an interest in running, ask her if she'd like to join you for a run (at her pace), needs help shopping for running shoes and gear, or maybe even wants to train for a race together. Not only will helping a new runner allow you to see and celebrate your progress, but you’ll also get a motivation boost.
Also see:9 Ways to Help Beginner Runners
5. Volunteer at a race.
Seeing a race through the eyes of a volunteer can change your perspective about racing and get you motivated. Watching runners cry or hug their friends and family members after they finish a race can do wonders for your motivation. To volunteer at a race, look for the volunteer opportunities section on the website or contact the race director through the race website.
Also see: 5 Great Reasons to Volunteer at a Race
6. Get inspired with quotes about running.
Reading other people’s words about running can get you motivated to get back out there, or take on a new running challenge. Check out some of the quote collections below or sign up for daily running quotes.
7. Do a destination race.
If you typically run races in your local area, try branching out and traveling to a destination race. Pick a location that you've been wanting to visit and search on web sites like Active.com or MarathonGuide.com to look for races. If you can convince some friends or family members to join you, you can turn it into a mini-vacation getaway.
Also see:How to Pick the Right Race
8. Spectate at a race.
Whenever I’m spectating at a race, I inevitably get a little jealous of the runners who are out there. I’ve talked to other runners who say the same thing. There’s something about cheering for the runners and remembering what it felt like to hear people supporting you that just makes you want to get out there again.
Also see: 4 Ways Runners Can Give Back
More:
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