Our Role Mothers have offered us advice, tips, and support on everything from training logs to nutrition, so it’s only natural we ask them…what keeps them going? Whether they’re trying to get up and go or keep one foot in front of the other, check out their running motivation tips and tell us if any of them resonate with you below in the comments section.
Nicole, the regular runner
If I’m on a long run and hit a wall, I allow myself 20 seconds of Walk & Whine. This is 20 seconds (max) where I can walk (at a decent pace) and complain about the crappy run, the stinky weather, the guy ahead of me’s annoying green shirt—whatever I want to gripe about—but when the time is up, back at it, Blades! The little moment of bratty bitching typically gets my focus realigned and I’m ready to finish strong.
Tania, the sputterer
I’ll start singing my favorite jams and start dance running. That can quickly change my mood and energy level, and I just keep running.
Ashley, the beginner
In my toughest mile, my go-to phrase of encouragement is “She Believed She Could So She Did.” When I first took the plunge to start training for a half marathon, my sister-in-law, Melissa, gifted me a Momentum Jewelry Wrap with that very phrase on it. All it takes during each run is a simple glance down at my wrist to remind me that I can conquer anything I put my mind to.
Pam, the grandmother
On tough runs, I think about my family. I think of my mom’s Grandma GG, whose husband died in a farm accident when their twins were just 6 months old and my grandpa was 2 years old. And how she went to work to provide for her family. I think of my husband’s Great Grandma Bertha, who told me on her wedding day they took a horse and buggy to the town to get on a train to ride to the big city of Wichita to get married. I could go on and on. By thinking about the lives they lead, I stop thinking about the run. And I feel each one of them cheering me on!
Melissa, the marathoner
When I’m at mile 25, I’m usually thinking, “Sweet mother of God, Mary, Joseph, and whoever else is currently keeping me upright, just exactly how long is 1 POINT 2 miles anyway? Please mirage of a finish line, come closer!!”
Sarah, the triathlete
When I need a motivation, I call a BRF (or, in my case, a BTF—Best Training Friend) and meet up for a run, bike, or swim. Surrounding myself with strong, ambitious athletes is all the motivation I need!
What helps you stay motivated? Tell us below.
When I need motivation during a run, I think about my family. Specifically, I think about my mom, who passed away, and how she was always proud of my running. I think about her long fight with cancer and how she always seemed positive. I think about going to visit her in the hospital and the first thing she would ask is if I ran that morning. I like to think that she’s up in heaven willing me through the tough training runs/races. She fought her cancer so hard for so long and never whined, so I really shouldn’t whine about running. It’s a privilege and as my mom used to say, “no pitty parties”.
I think about how the run (bike/swim/yoga/whatever) is going to make me feel the rest of the day- focused, calm, creative! I also think about whatever race I am training for and visualizing the podium and beating certain rivals. A third reason is looking at the older women in my retirement community who don’t work out. They look OLD. They move OLD. They act OLD. I don’t want to be those women…
As I get older, I find that is is ok to walk for no more than a min. And then I start jogging again. I also think to myself…..hey, you got this!!! Keep moving forward.
I feel like Michelle and I are kindred souls as our stories are almost identical. During my ultramarathon when I had already been running for 18+ hours and was on the verge of tears, I just remembered why I had committed to completing that race…my mom. All of the months of training, hundreds of miles, blood, sweat, and tears were dedicated to her. Although it took me longer than anticipated, I conquered that ultra and I think my mom was there gently pushing me, willing me to the finish line.