Summer Running with Lianne: Motivation Mental Check Up

Full disclosure: this week was not my best on record. I felt as though I was coming down with the horrendous cold my husband had 2 weeks ago, I had more travel, and lots of time with great friends and cocktails. I had a blast (other than the sore throat and congestion) but none of the week’s activities were conducive to training for a marathon. Throw a slightly defeating tempo run into the mix and well, my motivation and mileage looked a little sad. Not to mention that my internal dialogue has been full of negativity and self doubt. On my long run Saturday, all I could think of was how my marathon goals are too high and maybe I should re-evaluate everything. This was followed immediately by, WHOA, Lianne. What the hell. Lock it up.

I have read tons of articles on athletes and confidence and motivation and heard Kara Goucher talk all about self doubts. It is definitely something I struggle with more often than I like to admit. (Head case, party of one.) I wish there was some great cure or mantra or something that could make things easier or feel better, but there isn’t. The only thing is to just get out there. On the road, on the track, and on the treadmill. No one is going to do it for you. Guaranteed that hammering through a tough workout will feel a thousand times better than sitting around and pouting or feeling sorry for yourself. (This applies to any aspect of your life, really…)

I know after a full day of work I am going to be tired, and fitting in a run between work and meetings isn’t going to be easy. But I am going to do it. I will not even consider not getting out there.

In a way, weeks like this are good, especially if they occur early on in the training cycle. It is a good reminder that marathon training isn’t easy. This is supposed to be strenuous and challenging. The tough runs and mental strain ultimately make us stronger athletes. They also remind us that though we may have made improvements and succeeded in the past, there is still much work left to do. Training is hard and that is what makes the accomplishments so sweet. Oh, and as I was reminded this week, don’t lose sight. This is supposed to be fun!

How is your summer training going? How do you keep yourself motivated when the going gets tough? Sound off in the comments.

By: Lianne Martin
To read more about the author, follow her on Twitter @sunshine_runner or check out her site SunshineRunner.com.