As a long time baseball fan I became aware of the "dog days" of summer very early in life. In central NY this usually meant the month of August. By then the sun and heat had depleted all my energy. All my focus was on the cooler days of autumn when I could feel the spring back into my legs. Now in CT we are about to experience our 4th heat wave of the summer... and it's not August as yet. Hartford has set a new record for 90 degree+ days and there are under 2 months of summer left. The dog days have turned into a dog season! As such the motivation to get out into the swampy atmospheric sauce of high heat and high dew points is herculean! And I applaud all who are able to lace up and get through these days. As a Galloway devotee I have learned to cope with the heat by dialing down my running timer's duration. Down from three minutes to one minute and slightly upward adjusted my rest period to forty seconds. At least I can get the mileage in - though slower per mile. Safety is the objective not increasing speed!
Yes, the HEAT! That's what makes this so tough this time of year. I'm a Galloway devotee too, especially when you get into the longer distances, like 9, 10 miles and up. Slower per mile is the way to go.
Using Jeff Galloway's approach, I continue to fully enjoy running. I am just coming in from an 8 mile run and am forever grateful that I GET to run!! Thank you so much for your post and connection!
The best motivation is to sign up for a race…who wants to show up to a race unprepared? My next race is a 10K trail race at the end of September, and it’s far enough away that my motivation has waned in July, but I am strengthening three times a week to make up for it. I will ramp up in August to four runs a week (about 20 miles). Without the race on my calendar, would I be able to reenergize myself? Very doubtful.
A friend told me that he hated running, but he loved having run. I don’t hate running, but I do know the great feeling of having run.
I TOTALLY agree that having a race to train for keeps me "on my game!" I have a 10K in September and the Maine Half Marathon on October 6th and they are keeping me focused. Thank you for this great post!!
I find the older I get the more comfortable I become and the excuses show up as well. I’ve played sports and been a runner for over forty years, my motivation comes from that little voice that you mentioned and mine is strong. Be comfortable at being uncomfortable!
Terrell, great insight into the thought process every runner, who is "training" thinks, definitely on those early morning runs. Though, (not looking for sympathy) honestly, recovering from four back surgeries this past year and the real fear of never running again. The clock is now at 14 months and counting not to mention everyone I know telling me never to run again "at my age ahem". I watch the runners come past my house, while I ice my back or charge my stimulator and like my dogs barking at other dogs, I want to bark at them. remember every step and run is a gift. keep up the great work.
Think Galloway, not for the time or the training aspect, but for the run/walk concept … even if your steps are more walking that running, YOU’RE STILL OUT THERE getting it done. Best wishes for a continued good recovery.
Thank you Debby, not sure which is worse being injured and having the desire or being healthy and having no desire. Option 1. is definitely the worst for me. appreciate every run good or great (there is no such thing as a bad run)
I just started my running routine back up and every time the workday ends and I know it's time to get dressed for a run, it takes everything in me to not change into pajamas instead. But there's always a moment in the middle of my run where I'm so glad I chose to stick it out. I'm still a novice and only run on the treadmill 3x a week. What are the best ways to find running groups in my area?
I totally feel this, Angela! It usually takes me about a mile or so into a run before I feel like, "yeah, that's why I do this." Good question on running groups -- a good place to start is a local running store, they often host weekly group runs. Also try googling "[Your City] running clubs" 👍
My motivation has been down this week. Last week we were on vacation and I ditched my training plan (it was a deload week anyway) because we were basically walking 10 miles a day. This week I'm having to wake up extra early to run before getting our youngest to day camp and so every day has been a struggle of just wanting to skip the run and just go back to sleep. I was supposed to do 8 miles this morning, ended up only doing 5 because I was pressed for time.
My marathon in 87 days is the only thing pushing me out the door into the humidity right now.
Which marathon are you running? I applaud that you got 5 in with all that to take care of -- juggling the rest of life and getting all those training runs in can be a bear!
Detroit Free Press Marathon! I'm doing The Supreme, which means I'm doing a 5K and a 1-mile run the day before the marathon. Not sure why I thought that was a good idea 😂 Why achieve when you can over-achieve?!
I always find that when unmotivated or life is hard, just taking that first step is always the hardest. It is so easy to make excuses or procrastinate, but just keep moving forward. It doesn't matter what it is, but getting started is always difficult, but then I tell myself, "Hey, just keep going"
Getting started really is the hardest part, isn't it? It usually takes me a while into my run to where I start feeling, "okay, this is why I'm out here, this feels better," you know?
So many times I use the excuses. Oh, it's too cold, it's too hot, it is raining, or whatever excuse. But once I lace up the shoes, take that first step, and just go, most of the time it all falls into place and it becomes an enjoyable run.
Motivation has been a struggle for the last six months as I slowly recover from surgery for a Haglund's Deformity (heel spur). I try to remind myself that every session of stationary biking, doing leg weights, etc. is one more brick I'm adding to my foundation and, over the course of a couple of years, I'll have built something amazing, brick by brick.
Motivation through this recent journey hasn’t been an issue for me, strangely, but in small ways I do have to keep pushing through. Yesterday I did my run in the late afternoon when the day was at its hottest. Fortunately it wasn’t as hot as Waco TX has been most of the summer, but it was still close to 90° and 60% humidity - and I wanted to do at least 3 miles. I’m still getting my endurance back from this hamstring injury, so what used to be easy is now pretty challenging. By the end, I did four, but the last half mile, I wanted to quit the entire time. In fact, entire last mile was a chore that felt not worth doing. But I finished four miles in a relatively slow 42 minutes and then went and dripped sweat all over my office (I was running on campus after work); I just needed to sit down for a bit after my cooldown!
I always appreciate your encouragement - it reminds me to enjoy my accomplishments. I have been so frustrated with the loss of conditioning of experienced from having to stop running as a result of the injury that I keep focusing on the negative. But getting back in the four-to-five mile range does make me happy!
If the goal is big enough, if it's important enough, you will find your motivation, and you will get out the door. I think we tend to overthink things, and by doing so, we allow ourselves to make excuses. At some point, you just have to rip off that bandaid and do the work. And, eventually, you'll find joy in that work, and you become driven to reach those goals. In short, you turn those excuses on their heads, ignore that doubt, and strive to find that better you.
YES -- and I am one of the worst at over-thinking things, always have been. I can spin in circles in my mind, when sitting down and just doing the thing would get it out of the way. Great point.
I just joined a newly formed running club and really love the challenges........(I am 75 and I do not think there is another person over 29 (maybe 35).......two of our leaders have been training for a 50K ultra in the UP of MI this week end..........one is an army reservist and could not do her long run last week however passed a pretty intense PT test for the military.........when I saw her last night I asked if they were ready........she said she was a little bummed that she did not get that last 20 mile run in............then I said.......I wondered if everyone complete's their training? I guess she will find out if she needed that extra long run or if she was wise not to push it and just continue with short runs.......;anyone have input........I am thinking about doing a half and wonder if I can hold to the training...........Love , hearing from everyone!!!
This was me today—I had a 4 mile tempo run and was really dreading it but I kept reminding myself that when motivation doesn’t want to show up, discipline does. I focused on one mantra per mile, water every 5 minutes and then at the end moved my pace faster and then back to the tempo pace every minute just to keep my mind engaged and break things up into little pieces. In the end, I did it and it felt SO good to accomplish what I thought was an impossible task.
What a timely thought and experience share, Terrell. Thank you for always being so open and vulnerable. The heat and humidity is getting in the way for me lately. After being in Germany for half of May and all of June (absolute PERFECT running weather!!!!) coming back to muggy conditions really slowed me down. I do want to get out, though and log miles. In my experience, I need to start intentionally slow and with my goal in mind, focussing on the high emotions of accomplishment as a reward. We all know what it feels like achieving a set running goal/distance or duration. That sense of strength and your body just being happy once you cross that line. Staying with that plus motivating tunes on my ears gets me through the miles with a smile on my face....and a jump in the pool afterwards!!
It was pretty amazing. My family is from the Munich area. Parents about 30 mins southwest and my brother and fam actually in Munich right near the Isar. It was just magical spending all that time with my family there.
As a few of the comments have mentioned, heat's the killer!! I've got the Chicago marathon to train for in October & getting in anything over 10-12km is proving extremely difficult in the high temperatures, here in Germany. So it's either an early morning or late evening run, slow pace & lots of water. Slow & steady's much better than nothing at all. Having the goal of the marathon helps, without this, I wouldn't make it out.
As a long time baseball fan I became aware of the "dog days" of summer very early in life. In central NY this usually meant the month of August. By then the sun and heat had depleted all my energy. All my focus was on the cooler days of autumn when I could feel the spring back into my legs. Now in CT we are about to experience our 4th heat wave of the summer... and it's not August as yet. Hartford has set a new record for 90 degree+ days and there are under 2 months of summer left. The dog days have turned into a dog season! As such the motivation to get out into the swampy atmospheric sauce of high heat and high dew points is herculean! And I applaud all who are able to lace up and get through these days. As a Galloway devotee I have learned to cope with the heat by dialing down my running timer's duration. Down from three minutes to one minute and slightly upward adjusted my rest period to forty seconds. At least I can get the mileage in - though slower per mile. Safety is the objective not increasing speed!
Yes, the HEAT! That's what makes this so tough this time of year. I'm a Galloway devotee too, especially when you get into the longer distances, like 9, 10 miles and up. Slower per mile is the way to go.
Using Jeff Galloway's approach, I continue to fully enjoy running. I am just coming in from an 8 mile run and am forever grateful that I GET to run!! Thank you so much for your post and connection!
The best motivation is to sign up for a race…who wants to show up to a race unprepared? My next race is a 10K trail race at the end of September, and it’s far enough away that my motivation has waned in July, but I am strengthening three times a week to make up for it. I will ramp up in August to four runs a week (about 20 miles). Without the race on my calendar, would I be able to reenergize myself? Very doubtful.
A friend told me that he hated running, but he loved having run. I don’t hate running, but I do know the great feeling of having run.
Well said, Greg!
I TOTALLY agree that having a race to train for keeps me "on my game!" I have a 10K in September and the Maine Half Marathon on October 6th and they are keeping me focused. Thank you for this great post!!
I find the older I get the more comfortable I become and the excuses show up as well. I’ve played sports and been a runner for over forty years, my motivation comes from that little voice that you mentioned and mine is strong. Be comfortable at being uncomfortable!
It really never goes away, does it? But we learn how to manage it, how *not* to listen to it, I think. Love that last sentence!
Terrell, great insight into the thought process every runner, who is "training" thinks, definitely on those early morning runs. Though, (not looking for sympathy) honestly, recovering from four back surgeries this past year and the real fear of never running again. The clock is now at 14 months and counting not to mention everyone I know telling me never to run again "at my age ahem". I watch the runners come past my house, while I ice my back or charge my stimulator and like my dogs barking at other dogs, I want to bark at them. remember every step and run is a gift. keep up the great work.
Thanks so much, Howard! That means a lot -- I've got my fingers crossed for your continuing recovery 🙌
Think Galloway, not for the time or the training aspect, but for the run/walk concept … even if your steps are more walking that running, YOU’RE STILL OUT THERE getting it done. Best wishes for a continued good recovery.
Great response!!
Thank you Dave, that is definitely a concept I have thought of "when" I start running again.
Wishing you all the best as you heal!!
Thank you Debby, not sure which is worse being injured and having the desire or being healthy and having no desire. Option 1. is definitely the worst for me. appreciate every run good or great (there is no such thing as a bad run)
I just started my running routine back up and every time the workday ends and I know it's time to get dressed for a run, it takes everything in me to not change into pajamas instead. But there's always a moment in the middle of my run where I'm so glad I chose to stick it out. I'm still a novice and only run on the treadmill 3x a week. What are the best ways to find running groups in my area?
I totally feel this, Angela! It usually takes me about a mile or so into a run before I feel like, "yeah, that's why I do this." Good question on running groups -- a good place to start is a local running store, they often host weekly group runs. Also try googling "[Your City] running clubs" 👍
My motivation has been down this week. Last week we were on vacation and I ditched my training plan (it was a deload week anyway) because we were basically walking 10 miles a day. This week I'm having to wake up extra early to run before getting our youngest to day camp and so every day has been a struggle of just wanting to skip the run and just go back to sleep. I was supposed to do 8 miles this morning, ended up only doing 5 because I was pressed for time.
My marathon in 87 days is the only thing pushing me out the door into the humidity right now.
Which marathon are you running? I applaud that you got 5 in with all that to take care of -- juggling the rest of life and getting all those training runs in can be a bear!
Detroit Free Press Marathon! I'm doing The Supreme, which means I'm doing a 5K and a 1-mile run the day before the marathon. Not sure why I thought that was a good idea 😂 Why achieve when you can over-achieve?!
You are amazing!!!!
You need a running shirt that says “master mom runner” or something like that.
I always find that when unmotivated or life is hard, just taking that first step is always the hardest. It is so easy to make excuses or procrastinate, but just keep moving forward. It doesn't matter what it is, but getting started is always difficult, but then I tell myself, "Hey, just keep going"
Getting started really is the hardest part, isn't it? It usually takes me a while into my run to where I start feeling, "okay, this is why I'm out here, this feels better," you know?
So many times I use the excuses. Oh, it's too cold, it's too hot, it is raining, or whatever excuse. But once I lace up the shoes, take that first step, and just go, most of the time it all falls into place and it becomes an enjoyable run.
Google “Peter Sagal Keep Going” … great story about Sagal’s experience as a guide for a blind runner in the Boston Marathon.
Motivation has been a struggle for the last six months as I slowly recover from surgery for a Haglund's Deformity (heel spur). I try to remind myself that every session of stationary biking, doing leg weights, etc. is one more brick I'm adding to my foundation and, over the course of a couple of years, I'll have built something amazing, brick by brick.
You will, Aaron! I'm in awe of what you're doing; the discipline and stick-to-it-ive-ness it takes to come back from a surgery like that is amazing.
Your analogy is spot on!!! You've got this!!
Motivation through this recent journey hasn’t been an issue for me, strangely, but in small ways I do have to keep pushing through. Yesterday I did my run in the late afternoon when the day was at its hottest. Fortunately it wasn’t as hot as Waco TX has been most of the summer, but it was still close to 90° and 60% humidity - and I wanted to do at least 3 miles. I’m still getting my endurance back from this hamstring injury, so what used to be easy is now pretty challenging. By the end, I did four, but the last half mile, I wanted to quit the entire time. In fact, entire last mile was a chore that felt not worth doing. But I finished four miles in a relatively slow 42 minutes and then went and dripped sweat all over my office (I was running on campus after work); I just needed to sit down for a bit after my cooldown!
4 miles in 42 minutes is great, Chris! Especially in those conditions -- I say you should give yourself a HUGE pat on the back!!
I always appreciate your encouragement - it reminds me to enjoy my accomplishments. I have been so frustrated with the loss of conditioning of experienced from having to stop running as a result of the injury that I keep focusing on the negative. But getting back in the four-to-five mile range does make me happy!
This brings to mind the quote "it doesn't get easier, you just get better at it"
So, so true
If the goal is big enough, if it's important enough, you will find your motivation, and you will get out the door. I think we tend to overthink things, and by doing so, we allow ourselves to make excuses. At some point, you just have to rip off that bandaid and do the work. And, eventually, you'll find joy in that work, and you become driven to reach those goals. In short, you turn those excuses on their heads, ignore that doubt, and strive to find that better you.
YES -- and I am one of the worst at over-thinking things, always have been. I can spin in circles in my mind, when sitting down and just doing the thing would get it out of the way. Great point.
I just joined a newly formed running club and really love the challenges........(I am 75 and I do not think there is another person over 29 (maybe 35).......two of our leaders have been training for a 50K ultra in the UP of MI this week end..........one is an army reservist and could not do her long run last week however passed a pretty intense PT test for the military.........when I saw her last night I asked if they were ready........she said she was a little bummed that she did not get that last 20 mile run in............then I said.......I wondered if everyone complete's their training? I guess she will find out if she needed that extra long run or if she was wise not to push it and just continue with short runs.......;anyone have input........I am thinking about doing a half and wonder if I can hold to the training...........Love , hearing from everyone!!!
Right back at you, Marianne! Great to hear from you too, my friend.
Go for that half!! You can do it!!!
Thank you........I think I can .......but know that I need to commit to it!!!
This was me today—I had a 4 mile tempo run and was really dreading it but I kept reminding myself that when motivation doesn’t want to show up, discipline does. I focused on one mantra per mile, water every 5 minutes and then at the end moved my pace faster and then back to the tempo pace every minute just to keep my mind engaged and break things up into little pieces. In the end, I did it and it felt SO good to accomplish what I thought was an impossible task.
Love hearing this, Patricia!! 🙌
What a timely thought and experience share, Terrell. Thank you for always being so open and vulnerable. The heat and humidity is getting in the way for me lately. After being in Germany for half of May and all of June (absolute PERFECT running weather!!!!) coming back to muggy conditions really slowed me down. I do want to get out, though and log miles. In my experience, I need to start intentionally slow and with my goal in mind, focussing on the high emotions of accomplishment as a reward. We all know what it feels like achieving a set running goal/distance or duration. That sense of strength and your body just being happy once you cross that line. Staying with that plus motivating tunes on my ears gets me through the miles with a smile on my face....and a jump in the pool afterwards!!
Thanks so much, Peter! Where in Germany did you spend May and June? (And, what an amazing vacation!)
It was pretty amazing. My family is from the Munich area. Parents about 30 mins southwest and my brother and fam actually in Munich right near the Isar. It was just magical spending all that time with my family there.
"you don’t learn to make things easier, you learn to handle hard things better"
Love this, Eliza! 🙏
As a few of the comments have mentioned, heat's the killer!! I've got the Chicago marathon to train for in October & getting in anything over 10-12km is proving extremely difficult in the high temperatures, here in Germany. So it's either an early morning or late evening run, slow pace & lots of water. Slow & steady's much better than nothing at all. Having the goal of the marathon helps, without this, I wouldn't make it out.
Same! How hot has it been getting where you are over in Germany this summer?