Keeping yourself motivated

       Obviously this has been an issue for me on the blogging front lately-- there has been a LOT of company from out of town (and the country!) for the Hare and I the last couple of weeks, and we wanted to spend as much time with our friends as possible.  The Hare also had some crazy 12 hour night shifts the past couple of weeks, and whether you are the spouse or the one working, it does throw you for a loop pretty hard.  That brings about an interesting thought though-- when life really has to come first (some people argue that it doesn't, but I'm not one of them!) how do you handle it and keep motivated?

Just to make me feel a little bad about not going, I found this!

       I would love to say that we just chugged on and didn't miss a thing, but I can't lie-- we haven't had a run in several days.  We had good intentions of the hill repeat run with the group on Friday, but it rained (I mean lightning, no visibility thunderstorm) and we just dropped the ball.  On Sunday we were both barely functional (complete with driving to the wrong restaurant and confusing his Mother in law!!) and we just did a full body workout that evening (which was hard, but not nearly as much as a run would have been).  We are going tonight (no trip to the grocery store before we go, so we have to!) but I wanted to remind myself (and you guys and gals out there!) what helps us keep at it when things like this inevitably occur.

I really found this helpful-- sometimes you just have to think that way!

       *Write it down-- having a log (on the computer or good old pen and paper) is a good way to keep yourself going.  For me it almost feels like an appointment or something, but it has to be done!

       * Don't think "all or none"-- if you can't do your 6 mile run today, then do a 2 mile if you have time.  Do something when you have a run day, rather than nothing.

       *  Set up a reward for yourself-- if you like being pampered, go for a massage or a pedicure after you complete so many miles on your log (or so many training weeks).  Or, if you need a little better watch or some other gear, then give yourself a dollar every time you complete a run and get it for yourself!

      * Speaking of getting stuff...new shoes are a huge motivator for me to get out there!  If it's getting close to time for new ones, then if you can, grab a new pair (online sales can be amazing for this-- I've seen them for more than half off, same pair I know and love now!) and break those babies in!

      * Just get up-- seriously.  Put your shoes on, and go outside.  That's all you commit to.  Then, try a really easy run around the block-- just one.  By the time you do that, guaranteed you will want to (and ultimately) put in some miles.

      * Find a friend-- I have it easy here, since we hold one another accountable, but really, having a buddy (or four legged friend!) to go with you can make a lot of difference.

      * Branch out-- go to a different way out of your driveway, or find a local park or other scenic place nearby to try out. Don't be afraid, just explore a little on your next run!

Here's a handy chart I found helpful too-- as well as humorous.

      Whatever you need to do to make yourself get out there (or write in your blog *cough*) and just go for a little bit, then use it to your advantage!  Sometimes it can get overwhelming (training isn't easy for a reason-- the long miles of a half or full marathon aren't!), and if you feel like you truly need a day or two off (which happens!) then don't beat yourself up.  Just take the day, and come back with fresh legs.  Either way, just keep putting one foot in front of the other!

How do you stay motivated?  Have you ever taken a break due to lack of motivation?  How do you balance social and running/ training aspects of life? Tell me below!