This weekend we had torrential downpours, high winds, and temperatures in the low 40s - not exactly ideal running conditions. Yet nearly 60 runners on the running team I coach showed up for our group long run on Saturday morning, ready to battle the elements and go the distance (some up to 20 miles).
The majority of people would think that those runners were out of their minds for running in those conditions. I don't think they're crazy - I know they're motivated, and for the right reasons.
A recent article in the Los Angeles Times cites that an estimated 10% to 15% of L.A. Marathon registrants never complete the race. Some give up during the marathon itself and others don't show up because they didn't train. As the writer explains, often the problem is that their motivation for doing a marathon was something external, such as impressing their friends. That type of motivation won't sustain you through months of training. To stick with it and get to that finish line, you need to have some internal motivation, such as love of running or the feeling of accomplishment that you get from finishing a run or race.
There are so many great reasons to run and train for a big race, such as a marathon. And most people will have a few external reasons, such as weight loss or bragging rights, for running and taking on huge challenges. Even if you started running for pure external reasons, that doesn't mean you can't find more intrinsic reasons to run, such as running in honor of a loved one or running because it gives you a sense of pride. Because to get out there on those soggy mornings, your motivation has to go beyond wanting that shiny marathon medal.
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Thanks for sharing. I believe motivation is the main ingredient to have a successful and a content life.