I have a long history of fitness. In fact, I’ve been working out longer than some of my readers have been alive (and yes, that makes me feel old). Fitness is a habit, and whether it’s running or strength training, I pretty much do it without thinking too much about it. That doesn’t mean that I don’t occasionally need something to motivate me though.
As much as I love running and fitness, sometimes my natural motivation can fail me. If the weather it too hot or too cold. If I didn’t get enough sleep. If I’m so busy I barely have time to eat. You know. Normal life! That’s when I have a little grab bag of things that I can pull out that will motivate me. Things that will get me out the door or to the gym.
5 Things that Motivate Me (and might help you too)
Dressing the Part
First a little confession. Years ago when I started exercising I did it at home to workout videos. Even though nobody ever saw me, I always dressed the part. Sadly, since it was the 80s, that included leotards and ankle warmers, but that’s beside the point.
The point is that getting dressed to work out motivated me. Some things never change. I still love dressing in great running and workout clothes and color coordinating (as some of you have noticed) from my head to my toes.
Fortunately, I am an ambassador for a couple companies that help me satisfy my addiction to beautiful workout clothing! I’m happy that Skirt Sports and Legend Compression Wear are there to keep me looking good! (Those are affiliate links. Save 20% on your Skirt Sports purchase with the code SPRINGCPT20. To save $15 on your first Legend Compression Wear purchase, click here.)
Running/Workout Partner
Running or working out with a friend is not only motivating, it helps keep me accountable. Currently, my number one running partner is my husband, but I also love running with other friends when the opportunity arises. It really helps to motivate me.
You may notice that my running partner has his own sense of color and style!
If you need help finding someone to run or work out with, try joining a running club or fitness class!
Sense of Accomplishment
Nothing beats the feeling of a job well done. I remind myself of that during a hard workout when I need a little extra something to motivate me.
Finding whatever it is that makes you proud about working out, the satisfaction of a job well done, the way your body feels after your workout, knowing that you’re doing something that will keep you strong and healthy, whatever it is, that is your motivation.
Bragging Rights
I know that I have laughed about those “I can’t even drive 26 miles!” comments in the past, but you know what? They still make me feel pretty darn good. When I tell someone I’ve run 37 marathons and their jaw drops open…well, it kind of makes me glow. I’m still living on my marathon PR of 3:16 almost 20 years after the fact!
In these social media driven days, just knowing that I have to write about a run on the blog or Instagram makes me try a little harder. Not sure if that’s motivation or fear, but it keeps me going!
Mantra
I told you a few weeks ago, when I was talking about building mental toughness, that one of my running mantras was a line from Helen Reddy’s “I am Woman.” I am strong. I am invincible. Those are words that I run through my mind on particularly difficult runs and they always motivate me to keep pushing.
Finding a mantra (or two) of your own can help you push through too. My Running Coaches’ Corner co-host Rachel just wrote a post sharing her favorite mantras .
Yes, I did have a Custom Inspire Necklace made with my mantra! For just a few dollars extra, you can have your own personal mantra engraved on your Motivate Wrap, Inspire Necklace, or Footnote.
Speaking of mantras, each Momentum Jewelry wrap allows you to carry your mantra right on your wrist! With so many to choose from, you are sure to find just the extra motivation that you need. Wear one (or two, or three) on the run, in the weight room, or even to work to remind yourself that you are strong, powerful, and passionate about your workout and your life.
What motivates you? Do you have a mantra?
I am a Momentum Jewelry Ambassador, but I was not paid or compensated for writing this post.
Weekly Linkups
My weekly linkups! Please stop by and check out all of the great recipes, workouts, and information that all these awesome bloggers share every week!
Meatless Monday with Sarah and Deborah
Meatless Monday with Annmarie and Dixya
Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia, Erika, and Patty
Inspire Me Monday with Janice
Wild Workout Wednesday with Annmarie, Michelle, Jen, and Nicole
The Plant-Based Potluck Party with Deborah
The Running Coaches’ Corner with Rachel, Suz, Lora Marie, and Me!
Giveaway Roundup and Try Out Thursdays with Smitha
The Blogger’s Pit Stop with Kathleen, Janice, Julie, and Menaka
Friday 5 2.0 with Rachel and Lacey and Meranda
Totally agree with what you have shared. I love running with my friends. It keeps me on track and pushing hard, and a great way to keep up motivation.
Running with friends really makes the miles fall away!
I love my Momentum wraps! I can’t enter your giveaway (well, I could but it wouldn’t really be fair), so I tweeted this post!
Thank you!
My mantra for this year is “No Excuses” – I actually just ordered a momentum jewelry wrap with that mantra.
That’s a good one! Isn’t great that it’s so easy to get it made to wear?
I love those momentum wraps. I purchased one for me sister for her birthday one year and for another friend. I would love to add to my collection as well.
They make great gifts!
Fitness is a habit for me too! Back in high school I had so many workout videos (step aerobics and buns of steel!) My mantra is Stay Strong. I love the momentum wraps. I have one, but am looking to get another!
My mantra is one step at a time – it reminds me that no matter how slow I might be going (or how it feels!) I’m still making forward motion.
You are right when you say the outfit can motivate. If I feel cute then I want to go out there and show everyone how cute I am. 🙂
You have the BEST motivate wraps!!! I love this post. Thanks for the shout out. More ways for everyone to win! 🙂
(I wore leotards and leg warmers, too… it’s not our fault!)
The faster you run, the faster you get done! lol! I do love running but that helps me during races. I also love “find joy in the journey” and “trust the process” And one of my own is “run my race”…..in running and in life really.
Great post, great tips! I LOVE momentum! Have given so many as gifts and love the extra push they give me! Thanks for sharing!
I love momentum jewelry! <3 My mantra is "stay strong." :]!
My nephew with spina bifida motivates me on my long/tough runs. His determination inspires me to stick with it!
My mantra is “Growth only comes through challenge”.
My mantra is “self belief is everything”
xoxo
I love my momentum wrap and could certainly use another one! My mantra is “don’t stop when you’re tired, stop when you’re done”
they are teh BEST gifts!!! love love love them Lately my mantra is get yer ass out there…but often it is BREATHE!!! xoxo
My mantra has been unbreakable. I can handle all of the stresses life can dish out.
I think my mantra is Believe, I Believe in myself, trust that I am able to overcome what comes my way.
Live your intent
Love Momentum Jewelry. Great product, great company. My motivation is the mission of the charity I train for…Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. To bring cures and compassion to blood cancer patients.
Accept no limits is my fav saying!
Momentum kept me going through a hilly and hot 5k today! I love their stuff!
My mantra this year has been Live, Love, Laugh! I love love the wraps- they are so much fun!
very interesting post share and everyone motivate this post. Love it.
“Embrace the suck” has helped me get through some crazy tough runs. Sometimes your legs are dying, ya gotta go, your running on borrowed time and you just got to keep going and get the run done.
Thanks for sharing. Motivations is my everyday struggle. I think the only way for me to make it through the day is just get started and let the motivation catch up with you. Keep posting! Visiting from#SITS.
I love it ! so motivating !
My mantra is With Brave Wings She Flies!
i don’t really have a mantra but i talk to myself all the time while i’m running. “you’ve got this” “my legs are strong”…….i get motivated by reading about accomplishments of others.
I’ve used the mantra- You never know who you are inspiring. Yeah there are faster people out there, but there ARE people out there being inspired by your hard work and dedication.
One thing that motivates me the most is my children. I want to stay healthy so I can take care of him as long as I can My Mantra is BE above average! Thanks so much for the giveaways these bracelets are amazing. Hope you had a great weekend and thank you
I have many mantras that I’ll repeat to myself depending on the situation. From “one foot in front of the other” to “suck it up buttercup” if I really need a kick in the pants 🙂 And I am a firm believer in dressing the part – especially in races.
I had a “dig deep” bracelet but my dog ate it 🙁
My mantra is “run happy.” It reminds me to be thankful for every step. Not everyone can run, so enjoy it while I can!
My mantra is be better than yesterday. It reminds me to push through when I don’t feel like it.
Balance and everything in moderation
My mantra lately has been Jesus take the wheel, trusting in Him is getting me thru quite a lot lately!
My Mantra is that love always defeats evil, put your family and friends first and pray for the best!!