Many runners believe motivation comes first, then action. In reality, action almost always comes before motivation. The hardest part is putting on your shoes and walking out the door.
Tell yourself you'll run for just five minutes. If you still want to stop after five minutes, you can. In 99% of cases, once you're moving, you'll keep going. The hardest part is starting.
Connect your running to a deeper purpose. Are you running for mental health? To set an example for your kids? To complete your first race? Write your reason down and place it where you'll see it every day.
Schedule your runs at the same time and place every week. When running becomes automatic, you stop negotiating with yourself. Use a training plan and check off completed runs.
Join a running club, find a running buddy, or participate in virtual challenges. Community accountability is one of the most powerful motivators. Share your runs and celebrate milestones together.
Put on your running clothes first thing in the morning. Listen to a podcast or audiobook you only allow during runs. Sign up for a race to create external accountability. Reward yourself after completing your weekly mileage goal. Remember: You never regret a run you did — you only regret the runs you skipped.
Running coach and contributor at Run365.