photo credit: Mi Pah
People can underestimate how much the mind has to do with the body’s ability to do something. What is your real motivation for running and how does that motivation affect the results of your training?
Universal Motivations to Run
It seems that weight loss and getting into shape is a universal goal for the majority of people. One way to lose weight and get into shape for once and for all is through a serious running program.
Running, along with walking, are exercises that you can begin fairly quickly and easily. Notice that we didn’t say that weight loss would be easy to accomplish, but then nothing worthwhile ever is. But with a good pair of running shoes and comfortable clothing, you are ready to begin training for a lifetime of activity that you can enjoy.
You can get up from a relatively sedentary lifestyle and learn to run… and do it well. As a matter of fact, many folks who are new to running participate in a 5K run within the first few months they begin to run. For some, the possibility of crossing a finish line is the motivation they need to start running. Others just want to feel better and lose weight, but then find the camaraderie of the races fun and very motivating.
It’s time to get off the couch and find your own personal motivation. The next time you go to the park, take a look at people who are running. You’ll see that no matter what age, gender, shape, or size, everyone is represented out there on the running trail and each has a story to tell about why they started running, and why they keep running.
Determining Your Own Personal Motivation
Even though running is not hard to start, there has to be a reason to change from what you are doing (sitting on the couch perhaps) to something new and potentially life-changing. In other words, you have to find your heart.
Looking for your motivator may begin with common reasons like:
- Losing weight
- Getting in shape
- Improving your health
These are fine motivators, but they are not personal motivators; these are not your “heart.” What is going to get you moving and keep you moving are more measured and personal statements and not quite so vague. Take a look at what I hear from people I know about what they want from running:
- “I want to stop taking blood pressure medications.”
- “I want to reverse my Type 2 diabetes.”
- “I want to be around to see my grandkids grow up.”
- “I want to feel confident in myself and my body again.”
- “I want to attend my grandkid’s college graduation.”
- “I want to welcome my great-grandchild into the world.”
- “I want people I love to respect me.”
- “I want to feel like I did when I was a kid.”
- “I want to be an example for my spouse.”
- “I want to be an example for my kids.”
- “I want to be an example for my grandchildren.”
- “I want to walk my daughter down the aisle.”
- “I want to see my granddaughter in my wedding gown.”
- “I want to prove something to myself.”
- “I want to know what this running this is all about
Now, those statements are personal!
Some of these statements may even sound familiar to you. When looking for motivation, dig deep. When you have a concrete and specific reason for a change, it will propel you forward through the tough running workouts and help you reach the finish line every time. Might I add; if your personal reason to run brings a tear to your eye, even better. You’ve found the heart of your motivation.
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at 2:42 pm
I started running for my high school gym project and have been in love with it (on and off) ever since.
at 6:59 pm
That is great Forest!
But feels good to exercise in general.
It is an off and on relationship for me too
at 5:14 pm
I have a clear addiction to watching fat shows – by that it’s normally some hybrid of a bunch of extremely fat people excercising (and crying, dear god can chubby little fat ones cry). The one thing I truly noticed in the training for people with sever food addictions and moving it to become more a workout addiction is grabbing at something that completely applies to their lifestyle. Watching “I used to be fat” the clear difference between these tubby teens in the weight loss department has been those trainers that have said “Why do you want to lose it?” to those other trainers simply saying “This is a great decision you’re making”. The same differences can be made between a trainer that asks “How much do you want to lose?” to the trainer that says “For your height and weight in this given time you should be able to lose x amount” – the former gives 2 tonne bessie the motivation to say “I want to lose 150 pounds in 60 days – something CLEARLY out of her fat little range whereas giving her a 40 pounds over 65 days something that can be very acheivable. The former would simply defeat the purpose and say that losing weight “isn’t working” (queue the stock in chocoloate to go up) to actually achieving goals. So my two cents would also be to look at something realistic – do you honestly think you can run a half marathon in 6 weeks just because you’ve seen some fatty do it (remember last years Biggest Loser had them running a HM – what a joke) or do you want to build an awesome base and smash it out of the park in something respectable and not give up cause it hurts too much…and now back to more Thintervention with Jackie Warner….
at 9:04 pm
Well, why did I start running? Well John J, I was one of those “fatties” who wanted to lose weight, and the emotional baggage that goes with it. Running helped me shake off those negative self esteem issues that go with being overweight. Sure, those TV programmes give the impression they go too hard too soon, but hey, it got your attention! Now, a year after hitting my target weight, I am now competing in triathlons, something I would never have considered before, and I consider running not only a challenge but a stress relief! Running gives me a focus, and helps me deal with those demons that can sometimes try and creep back in. It helps me keep the depression that has been nibbling away at me for many years at bay. It helps me ignore the people that, jealous of my new found lifestyle, make comments designed to bring me down. Running makes me hot!
at 9:39 pm
Good on ya Mel
Keep the good work going!