10 Ways to Get Your Running Mojo Back

Like all relationships, a love affair with running has its ups and down. One day you can’t imagine your life without running, and the next you may be cursing at yourself (while running, of course) for getting started with this crazy sport. If you have moments when your love for running is fading (and who doesn’t?), here are some ways to re-ignite the spark and boost our running motivation.

1. Buy yourself some new running gear.

Who doesn’t love some retail therapy? Treat yourself to some new running gear, such as a new shirt or running socks, as a reward for your hard work. The treat will make you feel energized, and reinforce your commitment to your training. After all, who doesn’t look forward to wearing that new, cool-looking running gear on a long run?

If you’re on a tight budget, try to find some inexpensive fitness clothes and gear by shopping at stores such as Old Navy or Target. I find that even buying a new pair of running socks can give my motivation a boost.

And if you don’t need any new gear, a simple treat such as a post-run coffee or Epsom salt bath can also do wonders for your motivation.

2. Display your bling.

Having visual reminders of your running accomplishments can help keep you motivated to get out there again (and collect more bling). Get one of those cool medal hanging racks to keep your race medals organized and add some visual interest to one of your walls.

If you’re not into displaying your medals, put one of your race photos on your desk or refrigerator as a reminder of your achievements.

3. Volunteer at a race.

As a college student, I volunteered at the New York City Marathon, handing out water to runners as they ran through Central Park. It was my first time watching the marathon in person and, although I was a runner, I had never thought about running a marathon.

Watching runners of all ages and abilities courageously make their way past mile 24 and onto the finish line deeply inspired me. It also set me on a path to become a marathon runner and coach. I was hooked.

Volunteering at a race may not be as life-changing for you as it was for me, but seeing a race through the eyes of a volunteer can change your perspective about racing and get you motivated.

When you’re watching runners cry or hug their friends and family members after they finish a race, you may find that you want to experience that finish line magic again.

To volunteer at a race, look for the volunteer opportunities section on the website or contact the race director through the race website.

4. Run a race for fun, not competition.

You don’t have to run your best in every race you enter. Sometimes it’s a welcome change to run at an easier pace than your race pace and just enjoy the race without putting any pressure on yourself. It may give you the freedom to run with someone you don’t usually run with, like your kid, your partner, or a friend. Some of my most fun and memorable races are ones that I ran with my kids and friends who I don’t typically run with.

Choose a race that encourages costumes, teams and fun such as holiday runs, color runs, neon night runs, and zombie/survivor races. You may not run as fast but you’ll have a ton of fun.

5. Plan a bucket list race.

Is there a race that you’ve always wanted to do, but just never got around to it? For years, that was the Big Sur Marathon for me. Finally, a few friends said they wanted to do it, and I immediately entered the lottery. From the time I found out I was in, my motivation to run skyrocketed. The thought of completing a race that I had dreamed about doing for years was extremely inspiring.

A bucket list race doesn’t have to be a big race like a marathon. Maybe you’ve always want to do an obstacle course run or a color run or that 5K that has wine at the finish line. Just pick a race that you feel like has been calling your name and go for it.

6. Mentor a new runner.

One way to show yourself how far you’ve come is to share your running knowledge and experience with others. If you have a family member or friend who’s expressed an interest in running, ask her if she’d like to join you for a run (at her pace), needs help shopping for running shoes and gear, or maybe even wants to train for a race together.

Not only will helping a new runner allow you to see and celebrate your progress, but you’ll also get a motivation boost.

7. Mix it up.

Even experienced runners sometimes get bored with running, but they use strategies to keep things interesting. Try listening to music, audiobooks or podcasts to break up the monotony, or seek out new running routes. If you’ve never run on trails before, give trail running a try.

Running with a friend can always help increase your motivation. Even if you end up running a slower pace than you usually do, you’re getting out there and you’re keeping your running habit going. That’s all that matters.

8. Spectate at a race.

Whenever I’m spectating at a race, I inevitably get a little jealous of the runners who are out there. I’ve talked to other runners who say the same thing.

There’s something about cheering for the runners, holding funny and inspiring signs, and remembering what it felt like to hear people supporting you that just makes you want to get out there again.

9. Do a destination race

If you typically run races in your local area, try branching out and traveling to a destination race. Pick a location that you’ve been wanting to visit and search on web sites like Active.com or MarathonGuide.com to look for races. If you can convince some friends or family members to join you, you can turn it into a mini-vacation getaway.

10. Get inspired with running quotes and mantras.

Reading other people’s words about running can get you motivated to get back out there, or take on a new running challenge. Check out some of the running quote collections below for some inspiration.

Running coach, marathon runner, and fitness writer Christine Luff is an RRCA-certified running coach and ACE-certified personal trainer. Founder of the website Run for Good and author of the book Run for Good: How to Create a Lifelong Running Habit, she coaches runners, from beginners to advanced, who are training for races, from 5Ks to marathons.