5 Tips to Get Motivated When You’re in a Running Rut
Editor’s Note: This post is written by Minneapolis Running Ambassador, Lauren Abdill, and has been edited for length and clarity.
We’ve all been there – you’ve had a few solid weeks or months of running, you’re feeling good and strong and fast, and then something happens. You get sick. Or a family crisis develops. Or a big project is due at work. Suddenly your running schedule gets thrown off, you start needing to miss days, and before you know it, you’re in a running rut.
Stay calm. Not all is lost. You just need a little re-motivation, something to make you excited and eager to lace up your running shoes again. Keep reading for five tips on how to do just that!
5 Tips to Get Motivated When You’re in a Running Rut
1. Get some new gear.
According to a 2012 study, the clothes you wear actually influences your behavior and attitudes. Sports psychologists report that this holds especially true for workout gear – get new shoes or sportswear that you’re excited to wear, and you’ll feel more pumped to tackle your run. If you don’t have the budget to hit up Lululemon or Athleta (me either, friend), check out stores like Marshall’s or Nordstrom Rack for deep discounts on big designer names. I’ve also had good luck perusing the racks at Goodwill – I recently snagged two pairs of never-worn Nike shorts for $10 each!
Related: Spring Running Gear Suggestions by Mill City Running
2. Try a new podcast.
A few months ago, I was getting really tired of my running playlist. It was starting to make me dread my runs a bit. So, I decided to try out listening to a podcast and it’s made a huge difference. My favorite is I’ll Have Another with Lindsey Hein. Lindsey is a marathoner and mom based in Indiana. She interviews runners (mostly females) on her show and she’s snagged some seriously big names (Deena Kastor, Molly Huddle, Shalane Flanagan, Des Linden, just to name a few). I get so excited when I see I have a new Lindsey podcast to listen to; it makes that run feel really special, like I’m running with Deena or Shalane right next to me. Give Lindsey’s show a try or check out these other running podcasts.
Related: 8 Running Related Podcasts for Your Next Long Run
3. Sign up for a race.
I’ve found that one of the best ways to get out of a running rut is to register for an upcoming race. Even if it’s just a 5K, having something tangible on my calendar – a date that I can count down to – helps keep me accountable. For example, I’ve been in a bit of a running rut for the last few weeks. My last semester of grad school, plus this never-ending-Minnesotan-winter, has kept me inside more than I’d like. But I’ve got the Women Run the Cities 10-mile race coming up in one month. Having it on my calendar has helped me get back in my running groove. Check out this calendar of upcoming MN races and find one that gets you pumped.
4. Read a good book.
This is one of my favorite tricks for getting motivated to run. I try to read a chapter of a book each night before bed. I’ve found that, when I’m reading a running-specific book, I find myself so excited to get up and run the next morning. It’s like the book plants a little seed that continues to bloom overnight. By the time my alarm goes off, I’m ready to get out there and run. I’m eagerly waiting for my copy of Deena Kastor’s new book, 
5. Find a new route.
My typical routes around South Minneapolis can get a bit boring after a while. I really enjoy picking out new running routes in the Twin Cities – especially lakes I haven’t run around yet. Lake Nokomis is my go-to, but I’ll happily drive to Lake Harriet or Bde Maka Ska when I need a change of scenery. That helps keep my running experiences fresh and exciting. Check out this list of great routes throughout our beautiful cities to get some inspiration for your next run.
Related: Reroute Your Running with the FASTZach App
