Recently, I was asked how I stay motivated to run. I had to really think about it, because running is something that comes naturally to me; I don’t have to think about it; it’s just something I naturally do as part of my day. I don’t feel right when I’m not running. It’s just something I feel compelled to do.
I sometimes wonder if I’m motivated by what I see in the mirror. Or am I spurred on by other runners, who can run longer or faster? Perhaps I just truly enjoy the feeling I get when I’m running. Ultimately, I think that I’m motivated by what’s important to me and what I get out of running. Each and every person needs to find out what motivates them as individuals and decide what running means to them.
I’m driven by my passion for running and a strong belief in the ability of the underdog to triumph in the most unlikely of situations. This conviction is something that has sustained me through the years. I found out a long time ago that running was something that I could do that was just for me; when I lose, it’s my loss, and when I finish, I finish not only for myself, but also for those who never thought I could do it.
I hit the road at 5 am so that I can see the sun rise and hear the rest of the world wake up. I run so that my children can see me get off the couch and make a difference. For the past 3 years I’ve been an assistant coach for our local running group, Portland Fit. I enjoy helping out with the ‘red group,’ which mainly consists of new runners. Every year, the new and returning recruits show up with the expectation of running their first marathon. Their backgrounds are diverse: Some are returning to complete what they did not finish the year before, while others haven’t even run a mile before. Whatever their reason for participating in the group, these runners continually motivate me with their enthusiasm and excitement for what lies ahead in their marathon training.
I’m also motivated by all my new friends on Twitter and Daillymile. When I have a bad day, they are there to encourage and remind me that there is always another run waiting for me. However, social media could disappear tomorrow, and I would still run. Really, in the end, I am my own motivation.
-SoloRunner