Sometimes the hardest part of a run is motivating yourself to actually get out there and do it.
When I was training for the Chicago Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon last year, I found it easier to stay motivated because I felt like I couldn’t miss a training run since I wanted to finish the race strong.
Though training for a race is great motivation, what about the times when you’re not running to train for anything? What about the times when you’re running simply for health and fitness?
One trick that always works for me? Going to bed knowing I’m going to wake up and go for a run right away. I set the alarm and go to sleep with thoughts of a morning run on my brain. Then, when I awake, I already have my mind made up and don’t play games with myself trying to postpone my run or talk myself out of it.
I know it sounds so simple, but I realized the importance of committing to a morning run the evening before my run over the weekend a month or so ago. On the weekends I typically am much more relaxed about my workouts. I’ll go to bed thinking I might run in the morning. For me, “might” turns into “won’t.” I now go to bed thinking I am going for a morning run… no doubt about it!
And it works for me. 
Sometimes the simple solutions are the best solutions.
Workout
As you may have guessed already, this morning I awoke ready to run!
I leashed up the all-too-excited pup and we headed out for a 5 mile run around downtown Orlando.
It was a good run, but not exactly an easy one. I felt a bit sluggish and dehydrated. I guess a weekend of traveling will do that to ya!
Breakfast
Breakfast this morning was an old favorite.
Bagelwich!
Toasted cinnamon raisin bagel thin + melted muenster cheese + egg white + raspberry jelly
I’ve heard from quite a few of you out there who have become jelly + cheese converts. Such a good combination! Hop on this train immediately if you haven’t yet! It’s a fun riiiide.
Question of the Morning
What is your favorite tactic to motivate yourself to workout?
P.S. The Fashion page was updated!
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LOVE that idea!! Haha if I have a early morning workout/run, I actually sleep in my workout clothes and have my pre-run breakfast next to me so I have no excuse! 😛
Love the idea!! I may start doing that!
Sleeping in the workout clothes, WOW, who would ever say! I will definatelly try this one, thanks for the tip 🙂
For some reason, I find it SO much harder to motivate myself to run than to go to the gym. I love it just as much, but it’s harder to get out the door!!
I’m similar! I think it may be b/c it is harder to slack off on a run than it is at the gym?
I’m the SAME way as you when it comes to my morning workouts. Not just running, but anything (BodyPump, etc.) If I don’t go to bed knowing what I’m doing in the morning, I find all sorts of excuses not to make it happen. It definitely works for me!
Welcome back from your fun Chicago weekend! 🙂
completely agree about deciding ahead of time that you’re GOING to do it when it comes to runs.
If it’s the weekend I will get up and immediately change into running gear even though I’ll eat bfast first. If it’s during the week I will bring my workout clothes to work and change before I get in the car so I don’t have to go home first and make excuses for not doing it.
I love running. Reading your post just made me feel like running – don’t ask me why.
Haha I think that’s a good thing!
I ran my first half marathon yesterday!!! 😀 A poor time if you’re a marathon runner but I’m very pleased considering I only signed up 4 weeks ago, and wasn’t much of a runner at the time. My friend and I only had 5 training runs before! Can I add that to your motivation to run tips? Find a friend. If you both agree to go and get up early to do it, it’s harder for both of you to flake out AND a friend is invaluable to push you through those miles. I can’t wait to start training properly for my next one in 4months times so I can get a better time 😀 sadly I have to wait as my legs havent quite forgiven me yet for yesterday!
I’ve never tried cheese and jelly but can I suggest something thats really yummy:- cheese and peanut butter then toast it so they melt together 🙂
Congrats Sarah! What an awesome accomplishment! Think you will do another one?
yeah definitely 🙂 i loved all of it! in the last three miles all the runners were encouraging each other, shouting “yes we’re almost there” and “dig deep we’re getting there!” and the crowds were amazing! I was so impressed with the people who lined up to watch and shout encouragements! There were lots of kids giving out jelly babies! 😀 and I was very grateful I had one around the 7mile mark. I thought it was amazing running it, and there was no pressure; when I felt tired I slowed down. I employed your tactic, so even though I was probably bouncing along at a walking pace I didn’t stop, I just jogged really slowly. It was so nice to be able to go at my own pace. I think the thing I loved most was how everyone was so supportive, the marshalls the crowds, people at sponge and water stations and the runners who had finished and were walking home! Such an incredible atmosphere. haha not that I need to tell you about it! sorry I’ve talked a bit much on a topic you’re very familiar with!
I really want to do one my university town, cos the 3 years I was there I wanted to do it but always thought I wouldn’t be able to. so yeah I’m definitely going to do another one. it’s in October so I think I actually have time to train properly 😀
Congratulations! That is fantastic!
thanks 🙂
It definitely helps me to get out and run if I plan it ahead of time! Once my feet hit the pavement and I have good music playing then its not so bad 🙂
I completely agree with telling yourself that you WILL run the next morning. In fact I just did that last night, and am thoroughly sweaty from my morning run. Making running a morning priority definitely makes exercise motivation easier.
I’ve been eating jelly and cheese ever since seeing it on Kath’s blog, and I love it 🙂
When I wake up in the morning and don’t want to run or workout, I tell myself that I am just going to get up and do it for 20 minutes, then I can stop if I want to. By the time I get myself up and into it I almost always want to keep going. And if I don’t, that means my body really does need a break!
I hopped on the jelly and cheese train! 🙂 I get some weird looks from people sometimes, but I just say “don’t knock it til you try it!”
I am training for a non-existent 5K. This post should help my motivation tremendously. Thank you.
Hi Julie,
I just ran my first half marathon last Sunday and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Crossing that finish line was so exciting and I definitely am hooked on doing more! If you ever feel like making a trip up to Canada you should consider doing either the Calgary (the one I just did), Vancouver or the Toronto one! 🙂 The atmosphere, race and the people are just amazing!
Working out in the morning is just sort of a “must-do”, non-negotiable thing for me. I’ve been doing it 6 times/week for the past 4+ years now, so a morning that doesn’t start with the gym or workout (apart from my always-anticipated rest day) just feels weird!
I completely agree with the whole “telling yourself you’re going to run” the night before – it makes me sort of … feel obligated the next day! I also always try to remind myself how good I feel after I’m done running! — to tell you the truth I actually should go right about now haha, your post encouraged me to get going because I was definitely procrastinating..
yey for a great morning run with sweet sweet Sadie 🙂
Hope you have a wonderful day! 🙂
I like this tactic. Simple yet effective. I’ve totally been struggling with running motivation these days, partially because I have a foot injury that I need to get checked out. But until I have a doctor look at it, I’m allowing myself to run a little bit. To motivate myself I remind myself of a) how beautiful the city looks as I run through it and b) how good I’m going to feel after I get all hot n’ sweaty. I kinda love that summer running feeling – a good hot and sweaty run makes me know I’ve worked hard!
My mights usually turn in to won’ts too… for some reason I have an easier time doing morning spin classes than morning runs.
I’m the same way — I need to go to bed with the plan of getting up and working out. I also lay out my workout clothes so I have one less thing to worry about.
It may sound silly, but cute workout clothes motivate me! Yesterday I got a new Under Armour shirt and couldn’t wait to wear it today. Obviously I can’t buy new workout clothes all the time, but I truly believe that if you feel good in what you’re working out in that you’ll feel more confident for your run or your gym time!
BTW, thought of your blog when I read this article http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=1637
I simply put it on my to-do list. I like being able to check things off and if it’s on there and I don’t do it, I feel like I didn’t get done what I needed to that day.
I like to plan out my workouts for the week ahead, that tends to keep me motivated. I really like to check things off my list!
I am so the same! “I might” always turns into “I won’t”. I have been struggling with running in the a.m. lately as well, but this morning I got up early and got ‘er done! And it was all because I went to bed thinking “I’m running in the morning. I’m doing it. No excuses.” it worked 🙂
i just have to go….thats definitely the hardest part. i write out the exercises im going to do then once i have my clothes and shoes on, im usually good to go. i just try not to think about it!
I used to be able to roll right out of bed and go for a run, but after too many years of that plus not properly re-fueling myself… I’m just unable to get back permanently back into the morning run routine. Oh well… something to work towards, eh?
CHEESE + JAM combo looks PHENOM!
I have a harder time getting up for the gym. Mainly b/c I have to wake up earlier to drive there!
When I run, I motivate myself by laying out all of my clothes/setting up my stuff the night before and then when I’m getting ready I visualize myself finishing (and feeling great).
When I gym it, I try to make plans with my friend. It much easier to get going when I have someone waiting for me!
I usually lay my clothes out before I go to bed so that they are just staring at me to put them on and go for a run.
I think I might have to have a bagelwich for lunch. That looks so good!
It’s really hard to motivate myself. I just reccently started exercising regularly. I just keep telling myself, “I have to fit into a wedding dress!” Then I picture myself standing therein the wedding dress of my dreams and it usually helps me 🙂
I know it’s super cliche but I always think about how much better I’ll feel when I’m done…the post-workout high can’t be beat!
This is exactly what I needed to read! I love running but I still have those mornings, especially if I didn’t go to bed early enough, where I end up sleeping in instead of getting up for the run I planned to do. I had the whole “might” mentality. Now I know to motivate myself before bed as opposed to after the alarm rings!
The night before I set out my clothes and tell my dog that we’re going to run in the morning. I am a person of my word… even to my dog. Just knowing that he is waiting for me gets my booty up and out the door 🙂
Gearing yourself the night before def helps! Because of that, I rarely miss my Monday morning run! I am totally a convert. Over the weekend I made a goat cheese omelet and ate it with toast and strawberry fruit preserves- I died!
Great job on the run!
When I don’t feel like getting my workout in.. I really just think about how great I will feel afterwrd. I am usually feeling a little blah before the work out if I am not feelin like doing it. I remind myself that the BLAH feeling will be gone and I will be feeling super accompished!
For me, 90% of it is just getting the running clothes on and out the door. I usually just try to make myself “auto pilot” through it and not think about the actual run too much. Once I’m on the road, I’m fine. I think it also helps that by the time I want to quit, I’m at least a mile or two in (which means a mile or two from home!), so I have to keep going at that point!
I just remind myself of how good I feel after a workout. Remember: “You are only one workout away from a great mood!”
If I don’t work out, I almost always regret it. But I have to remind myself that I NEVER regret it when I do work out.
When I had time in the morning, I used to set up my workout clothes and shoes at the base/side of my bed so that they were the first things I saw in the morning. Sometimes I wo uld even SLEEP in my workout clothes so I really had no excuse to take it off before I got in some kind of physical activity (I used to HATE working out!)
Now I have to work out after work so each evening when I pack my lunch I also pack my gym bag. As soon as work is over I change into my workout clothes and stop by the gym before heading home. I realize if I go anywhere else before going to the gym after work, I won’t work out. This has really worked for me =)
Also, just changing the mentality of I GET to work out versus ugh, I have to. No, scratch that – it’s so routine now that I don’t even think about going – don’t think, just do. Don’t talk about it, just go!
I totally agree with you about having to shift your mind set in order to DO the running rather than THINK about it. My favorite tactic to help me workout is reading a good gossip magazine on the treadmill/elliptical! Love celebrity gossip 😉 I also really love knowing how I will feel afterwards–that I have done myself a huge, healthy favor.
oh dear, so recognizable! 🙂 I even put my running gear right on the cheap by my bed and I keep hitting the snooze button until it is too late! Nice tip, I will def try it! 🙂
tomorrow is national running day, you better get out there tomorrow too 🙂
I have a plan and I just stick with it. That’s the biggest motivator for me. Plus, I always tell myself that I can modify as needed as long I still get my butt doing the workout.
Your motivation in the morning always amazes me. Especially after a weekend of traveling! I’m not much of a morning person but I’m trying to work on it. I think it’s harder going for a run for me because I prefer exercise classes. I just show up and someone tells me what to do. But you’re right going for a run is way easier and enjoyable once you get started.
I schedule my workouts in!! I am a bodybuilder so it’s kind of easy…I know if I skip hamstrings I’ll set myself up for a strength imbalance in quads down the road. 🙂
My motivation to run in the mornings is knowing that I’ll be sitting all day at work and the only time I’ll be moving my little ‘ole legs is on my AM runs!
Also, this doesn’t have to do with converting to jelly and cheese bagelwich but SMOOTHIES. I CAN’T STOP MAKING SMOOTHIES!!!! Your smoothies always look so amazing and I can’t believe it took me this long to make them! What is your favorite protein powder brand to use in them? Also thinking about investing in a Vitamix now. so THANK YOU!
ooooh smoothies rock my socks! i love all the whey or optimum nutrition’s gold standard protein powder. and definitely look into the vitamix. it’s AMAZING.
well, clearly I didn’t need much convincing because I just ordered one!!!!
I always have problems with keeping my running motivation. Setting a time to meet with a running buddy usually helps or laying out my clothes before.
I love going to bed thinking about my early am run; I set everything out the night before and that way i can just “jump” right into my gear! And then i love knowing that as soon as i get back from my run i can enjoy a yummy breakfast!!!
I can really relate to this post today! I can usually motivate myself to go for a run after work pretty easily as I don’t like taking great weather for granted (I live in Edmonton, Canada where our brutal winters last 6 months out of the year!). But last night I told my boyfriend to set the alarm so he and I could try out a morning run before work. I find I’m the same way – if I commit to it the night before and tell myself I’m going to get up at 5:30 am to workout then I’m good to go in the mornings. I woke up not feelin’ it but at the same time I knew I couldn’t fall back asleep so I figured I might as well get out there – plus it’s nice to be able to run beside my boyfriend, it put me in such a great mood before I had to leave for work.
It was great because the sun was just coming up and it was gorgeous outside. I think I’ll be going for morning runs a LOT more often during the next few months!! 🙂
Next time you are in Chicago you have to go to my favorite pizza place, La Madia. They have a 3-hour roasted grape and tallegio cheese pizza that tastes exactly like your favorite combination! It’s one of the best things I’ve ever eaten!
To motivate myself, I use one of my favorite quotes from your blog… it goes something like “I’ve never regretted a workout”. When I think that, it’s much easier to get out and go. Also, I think of all the cons of not working out. It works for me 😀
My favorite way is when my body ignores my brain.
I just get dressed for my workout, grab my workout bag, and head out the door. My brain will be protesting “you know, I dont’ really feel like it, maybe we should just hang out around the house? That book looks really good and it’ll be more fun to just sit and read, right?” And my body says “that’s nice, shoes on, where are the keys, there they are” and just keeps going through the motions. Once I make it to the gym, I might as well do something!
If I don’t feel like running, I make a deal with myself to just put on my running clothes. That’s all. It feels weird sitting on the couch with running gear on so the simplest thing to just go running. Sounds odd but it works!