We all know that we have the days where running feels like a chore. The mere thought of strapping on our shoes is gloomy. Almost everyone has these kind of days, the good news is that there are many ways to cope with the lack of motivation. Finding the right elements to get you up and moving is the hardest part.

Becoming mentally prepared is by far the hardest part. We all make excuses which prevent us from getting in our proper amount of exercise. “I’m too tired” or “I don’t have enough time”, sound familiar? These are things we tell ourselves to make it o.k. not to work out, but deep down we all know we are just cheating ourselves.

Convincing yourself to move is not easy, changing your state of mind should be the first challenge to overcome. Ask yourself why it is you are running. If it is to lose weight, think how it will help you shed those pounds or scare yourself by thinking you may gain. If your running for speed or to prepare for a race, think about your times and how you feel after completing a race or setting a new speed goal. The important thing is to remember why you are running.

Many people get bored of running easily. Try changing the location of your runs, new scenery can be motivating. Switch up the music in your mp3 player or try running without it. Add new challenges or technology to your runs. Tracking where you run through the use of a GPS can get you out and even competing with runners around the world. Even picking up a book or magazine about running can get you thinking in the right frame of mind to exercise.

So when you are in a rut or lacking motivation try the following:

1. Remember the reasons you are running.

2. Switch the location of your runs.

3. Change your music selection or stop listening to it for a few runs.

4. Add new technology such a s a heart rate monitor or gps.

5. Read a running related book or magazine for inspiration.

6. Most important: Just get out there and run! Once you start you wont regret it!

Once you are running keep that motivation alive, set that new distance or speed, your body and mind will thank you every time you do it. You have it in you to be better every day!