Runners love to get inspired by motivational running quotes. Words of wisdom or humorous sayings from elite runners, coaches, and other people can help us push through rough patches or get us inspired to head out for a run in less than ideal weather. But running quotations don’t have to be lengthy or deep to bring us joy or encouragement. Check out these short motivational running quotes for a powerful boost of inspiration.
Find Your Inner Motivation
Do you ever find that the hardest part of any run is the first step out the door? Here are some short running quotes to get you motivated to set goals and keep working towards achieving them.
1. “You don’t have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step.”
–Martin Luther King, Jr.
2. “Set big goals and learn to love the work that get you to them.”
–Des Linden, winner, 2018 Boston Marathon
3. “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”
– Jim Ryun, first high school athlete to run a sub-4:00 mile
4. “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”
5. “Allow yourself to be a beginner. No one starts out being excellent.”
6. “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
–Arthur Ashe, tennis legend
7. “If you can dream it, you can do it.”
–Walt Disney
Embrace the Challenge
Embracing the challenge is not about seeking perfection or trying to win every race; it’s about pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zones and not giving up. As a result, we not only improve physically but also mentally and emotionally. These quotes about embracing the challenge reflect that process.
8. “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.”
9. “The only one who can tell you ‘you can’t ‘ is you. And you don’t have to listen.”
-Nike
10. “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”
–Eleanor Roosevelt
11. “Don’t run away from challenges, run over them.”
-Nike
12. “The difference between try and triumph is just a little umph!”
-Marvin Phillips
Keep Moving Forward
When we push ourselves to keep moving forward, we cultivate discipline and perseverance that serve us not only in running but in all areas of life. These quotes about pushing yourself to your full potential will help you embrace the discomfort, sweat, and sore muscles.
13. “You’re stronger than your excuses.”
14. “I have learned that there is no failure in running, or in life, as long as you keep moving.”
–Amby Burfoot, 1968 Boston Marathon winner
15. “Run the mile you’re in.”
16. “No matter how slow you go, you’re still lapping everyone on the couch.”
17. “Persistence can change failure into extraordinary achievement.”
-Matt Biondi, U.S. Olympic swimmer
18. “Whether a mile or a marathon, you get there the same way. . . one step at a time.”
– Baylor Barbee
19. “If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.”
–Nora Roberts
Stay Motivated Through Setbacks
Setbacks are inevitable in running. They may come in the form of injuries, unexpected life events, or simply a lack of motivation. But it’s important to remember that setbacks are not roadblocks; they’re opportunities for growth and resilience. Consider these short motivational quotes when faced with a running setback.
20. “The fire within you is stronger than the obstacles around you.”
21. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
22. “Pain is weakness leaving the body.”
23. “Life can pull you down, but running always lifts you up.”
–Jenny Hadfield, running coach
24. “Happiness is pushing your limits and watching them back down.”
–New Balance
25. “It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up.”
–Vince Lombardi, legendary football coach
26. “The body achieves what the mind believes.”
Celebrate Milestones
Whether it’s completing a long run, nailing a speed workout, or simply getting out there on days when we don’t feel like it, each milestone is a testament to our dedication and hard work.
By taking the time to acknowledge and celebrate our progress, we remind ourselves of how far we’ve come. These quotes are all about celebrating milestones and pushing forward to help us stay motivated even when faced with obstacles.
27. “Don’t compare your progress to that of others. We need our own time to travel our own distance.”
28. “One run can change your day, many runs can change your life.”
29. “Racing is the fun part; it’s the reward of all the hard work.”
–Kara Goucher, U.S. Olympic marathoner
30. “Running reminds you that even in your weakest moments…you are strong.”
31. “Some quit due to slow progress. Never grasping the fact that slow progress is progress.”
–Jeff Olson
32. “Consider what a long way you’ve come.”
33. “Running can change your outlook on life and make a new person out of you.”
–Marc Bloom, running author
You may also enjoy:
- Marathon Running Quotes
- Powerful Running Mantras
- How Runners Can Use Positive Self-Talk
- Mental Running Quotes
