Happens every year

...and around this same time too. All year long, I am training for something. There is always an event that I am working towards and this year was no different. I participated in 5K's, bike races, a 60 mile walk, all of which kept me motivated enough to keep the training up. Once the events tapered off, my training and working out started to taper off. I began evaluating the "reasons" for not working out in the month of December (and sometimes November) as much as I usually do throughout the year. All of the reasoning for the tapering off was pretty much just a ball of excuses. The biggest excuse is the weather. I am a fairweather runner/biker and these cold snaps that we get from time to time keep me indoors. If it reaches below freezing, my butt is usually staying inside. So, for Christmas, I have asked for a bicycle trainer so I can at least get on my bike and get some cardio in from the comfort of my garage! Speaking of the cold weather, I did go out a couple of weeks ago to purchase some gloves, pants and a sweatshirt that are more conducive to running in during the "winter" months. I have used them and they are great so perhaps the right gear is key to helping me get over it. Okay, a bit off track there...What I did learn about myself, like most people I know, motivation is the key. My motivation is knowing I will be as ready as I can be for whatever event I have signed myself up for. And I have already vowed to sign up for a duathlon in the Spring. That should be motivation enough to get out and start training for that event. But, it is nearly 4 months away so I have plenty of time. Right? Wrong. That 4 months will be here so quick and if I don't get out there now, I will be in a world of hurt.



While sitting here mulling over the motivation I need, I was checking my email and opened up the Quote of the Day email from Runner's World. I get these sent to me daily and they are quite inspiring. This mornings quote was a little different though. The links on the side really caught my eye. Specifically the link entitled, 101 Kicks in the Butt. It was like that article was written for me. I read through the 101 kicks and pulled out some that I think could really work for me and maybe others out there too. These are things that do not require that I have an event to get ready for, but rather, things that I can do every day to keep me going.



-101 KICKS IN THE BUTT
You have 100 reasons for losing motivation to run. But we can top 'em with tips, inspiring quotes, and more. Pick your fix. Repeat as necessary.
By Calvin Hennick

1) CREATE A BLOG where you post your daily mileage, then give out the Web address to your friends and family. Do you really want Aunt Ellen to ask why you skipped your four-miler on Wednesday?

- This is key for me. When I tell someone I am going to do something and I don't, the last thing I want to hear is, "I told you so."

2) THE PILE OF DISHES in the sink can wait till the sun goes down. Your tempo run can't.

- The biggest culprit for me is making sure things get done around the house first before I take care of me. I have to get over the fact that it is okay to be selfish sometimes.

3) BUDDY UP. Not many people can keep up with nine-time University of Colorado all-American Sara Slattery. Luckily, two-time Olympian Shayne Culpepper happens to live down the street. Find your own version of the Olympian next door to run with regularly.

- I would love more than anything to have a running buddy. Problem is, I can't find one. (insert sadness here)

4) HAVE A DAILY GOAL. Scott Jurek, seven-time champion of The Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, sets goals not just for big races but also for workouts. "Maybe it is a technique goal, maybe a pace goal, maybe a goal of running faster at the end," he says.

- This is perfect for me because I am obsessed with beating my last time, every time. Even if it is by a few seconds, I am still getting better.

5) BECOME A RUNNING MENTOR. Once you get your neighbor, coworker, or significant other hooked on your favorite sport, they'll be counting on your continued support and guidance--and company.

- I would love to get my husband involved...now, how to go about doing that?

6) FEELING TIRED? Instead of taking the day off, throw some walk breaks into your run. Use the breaks to refuel, stretch out sore muscles, or get inspired by the scenery.

- Every time I hit the streets, I hate the idea of needing to do interval training. This is something I need to get over and realize that is very necessary and an accetable form of training.

7) REMEMBER that you almost always feel better after a run than before it.

- Truer words could not be spoken! I always tell Hunter when I get back from a run just how much better I feel. Now, I just need to keep this top of mind, every day.

8) THINK YOU DON'T HAVE TIME TO RUN? You can probably make a list longer than this one of things you're wasting time on today. Cut one of them out and get the run in.

- This is the BIGGEST excuse that I make and that hear my friends make. "I don't have time..." I call BS. I once asked a friend of mine how bad she wanted it and from that day on, when her alarm goes off, she says she hears my voice! I love that I could be inspiration and motivation for her. Now, to just continue practicing that myself...

There are so many other tips on this 101 list. I just pulled out the ones that spoke to me. Some of them are no brainers, but the daily reminder is nice. If you find yourself losing motivation and need a little pick me up, this is a great list.