1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Running & Jogging

Staying Motivated to Run

Whether you're running for fitness, weight loss, or other reasons, staying motivated isn't always easy. Get advice on ways to improve your motivation.
Mental Tricks to Get Through Races
Most runners have hit a rough patch at some point during a race. When you find yourself struggling during a race, try some of these mental tricks to get you to the finish:
Tips for Running in the Morning
Whenever I run in the morning, I always feel like I gained a couple of hours during the day. Research has actually shown that runners who run in the morning are more consistent with their running than those who try to do it later on. If you want to become a morning runner, here are some tips for making morning runs easier:
Running Motivation - How do you stay motivated to run?
Every runner has days when it's tough to get motivated to run. How do you stay inspired to keep up your running habit? Share your motivation secrets.
Tips for Recovering from a Bad Run
All runners have runs when we just don't feel great. You feel like you're trudging through the run, just going through the motions, and counting down the seconds and steps until the run is over. While it's tough to get through those types of runs, it's sometimes even harder to deal with the disappointment and frustration you feel after the run is over. Follow these tips to get over a bad run:
7 Ways to Stay Motivated to Run
Maintaining your motivation is critical to sustaining your running habit. Try some of these ideas to help you stay motivated to run:
How To Beat Boredom on the Treadmill
Many runners in cold weather climates log a good number of miles on treadmill during the winter, and their biggest complain is usually, "Treadmill running is boring." To keep your treadmill workouts from getting stale, try some of these tips for beating boredom on the treadmill.
Stick to Your New Year's Resolutions
If you're like the majority of people who make New Year's resolutions, your goals are probably related to health, weight loss, and fitness. And, since you're visiting this site, your resolutions also most likely have something to do with running. Here are some simple strategies to help turn those resolutions into reality.
Keep Running During the Holiday Season
Maintaining a regular running schedule is hard enough, but throw in some parties, shopping, food preparation, out-of-town guests, and other holiday craziness, and it may seem near impossible to find time for runs. Follow these tips to make sure you keep running during the holiday season:
How to Avoid Burnout from Running
Some runners go through periods when they feel like they need a break – both mentally and physically -- from running. It sometimes happens after completion of a big race that they've been working toward for months, like a marathon. It's tough to stay motivated once you've reached that major goal. To help avoid reaching that point of burnout from running, try some of these strategies:
Ways to Get Out of Your Running Rut
Runners are often creatures of habit -- we run the same routes, at the same pace, usually during the same time of day. Here are some ways you can avoid getting stuck in a running rut, and make your runs more fun, interesting, and motivating.
7 Ways to Sneak in Running Time
No time to run? You're not alone: Lack of time is one of the most popular excuses for missing regular runs. Take these opportunities to get moving.
9 Ways to Boost Your Energy
Many runners cite low energy as one of the main reasons why they don't run as frequently as they'd like. Try out some of these suggestions to boost your energy.
Top Excuses to Not Run - And How to Beat Them
Sometimes we have the best intentions to run, but something gets in the way. Here are some of the most popular excuses for not running -- and how to make sure you don't fall victim to them.
Tips for Getting Motivated to Run
Motivation doesn't happen on its own. Follow these tips to get inspired to run.
Tips for Running While Traveling
Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, you may be wondering how you can fit your running schedule into your travel plans. Follow these tips and strategies so you don't have to put your running on hold while you're on the road.
Tips for Running with Your Significant Other
Running with a buddy can help your motivation and, if that person is your significant other, it gives you a chance to spend some time together. But it's not always easy to work out with your sweetie, so here are some tips for making it an enjoyable experience:
Keep Running While You're Visiting Relatives
Staying with family or friends can sometimes make it difficult to maintain a regular running schedule. But it is possible to still get some runs in without coming across as a rude or inconsiderate guest. Try some of these strategies to make it easier:
Running Music Playlist: '80s Mix
If you're looking for classic '80s pop and rock songs that you love signing along to, this is the perfect running mix for you.
Motivational Quotes About Running
When you need a little motivation or inspiration to keep running, keep these quotes about running in mind.
Getting Started and Sticking with Exercise
Here are some tips and tricks to fit exercise into your life in simple, painless ways.
Quotes About Running Marathons
Running a marathon is an experience that's difficult to put into words. But these notable people from the running world manage to describe the physical and mental challenges of the 26.2-mile race.
How to Stay Motivated to Exercise
If you're struggling to stick with your running program, find out why you've lost interest and how to get it back.
Getting Through a Tough Workout
Here are some mental tricks to get through those tough workouts when you feel like giving up.
Gift Ideas: Books for Runners
Inspire and educate the runners on your gift lists with some of these running books.
Explore Running & Jogging
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Running & Jogging
  4. Mental Training/ Motivation
  5. Motivation

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.