Motivation

This past week a bit like many people at the moment resulted in me struggling for a bit of motivation. Training itself actually went ok, starting off with a 9 mile progression run increasing pace slightly every 15 mins getting down towards 5.40 mile pace. This was complimented with a 4 mile tempo later in the week averaging 5.31 mile pace. Both of these sessions were completed in very windy conditions (but hey its October in Ireland, anything different I would have been shocked). Its actually not when I’m running at the moment I’m struggling for motivation, when I get into each run I’m fine I think its more before and after and actually when I sit down and think for a moment and realise there are no races on the horizon or no goals as such to strive towards. I think like everyone with the likely imminent announcement of new restrictions I had a bit of a wobble this week and looked at everything from a negative viewpoint as opposed to having a positive viewpoint.

Motivation is an interesting topic at the moment. I know many are struggling for motivation at the moment with no specific goals at present. Once I got over my wobble I started to look at things rationally and with some perspective. With no races on the horizon a question I got asked this week was what are you actually training for? With long distance running however what you do now can have an affect on a race or marathon a year from now. Most sports are built on consistency with running being a foremost example of this. There are no quick fixes for improving your times and running ability it will be built overtime with consistent and smart training. A lot of people look at goals they have and may not be attainable right now and give up on these goals but over time with hard work they can be attainable.

Back in March and the start of lockdown I decided to get consistent training in each week with 6 days of running 1 days rest and 2 session days week in week out. As mentioned in a previous blog this type of training led to equalling a 10 years old personal best over 5k. For any runner reading this, your motivation should be if I put in the smart and consistent work in now this can lead to personal bests 6 months from now. If you are aiming for a spring marathon or even a marathon this time next year, the work you do now as opposed to the 3 months directly before the marathon will likely make the big difference in being happy or unhappy with your result.

Another added motivation at the moment for running every day for me is that I use my daily run as a stress reliever. I find I may leave for a run in bad form and with a negative mindset but have never finished a run and regretted doing it or felt down after it. Getting out even if its for 20 mins in the fresh air will allow the endorphins to flow and leave you with a more positive mindset, at least that’s my experience!

This week will be another week of consistent smart training for me. I have 2 sessions planned however if I feel as though I just need an easy run to act as a stress reliever, I will do that. Best of luck to those getting ready to run the Virtual Dublin marathon this coming Sunday. Remember to use this week to recover and freshen up but do make sure you get out for a few runs both for the body but also for the mind. Regarding the marathon itself, run the 1st half with your head and 2nd half with your heart!

Have a great week 😊

Noel