Find your motivation with Alton Runners

Round & About

 Every runner, even the most dedicated experiences that winter motivation slump, Alton Runners have some tips to help you beat the exercise blues

As we approach the middle of January, the novelty of the New Year starts to wear off, and the dark, dreary Hampshire winter weather makes your warm duvet look infinitely more appealing than the pavement. 

Running mojo is a fickle thing, especially in the depths of winter. Here are our top four pieces of advice for getting out there even when you really don’t feel like it. 

1. Commit to a meet-up 

In winter, the hardest part of the run is often stepping out the door. The easiest way to overcome that struggle is through a pre-arranged commitment. This could be agreeing to meet a friend, turning up for your local parkrun every Saturday morning, or joining a local club, like Alton Runners. If you commit to be at a specific place at a specific time, you are far less likely to bail. You won’t want to leave your running partner alone in the cold! 

2. Be accountable 

Your friends and club mates are a great source of motivation. Share your running goals, however big or small. Simply announcing your resolution makes it real. Tell a friend or even share it on social media. Knowing others are interested in your progress can be the key to getting off the sofa. 

3. Focus on feel, not fitness 

When your motivation is low, shift your focus from pace or distance to the social element. Drop to a slower, more leisurely pace, perhaps even incorporating walking intervals. Often called ‘Jeffing’, this involves planned run/walk breaks, transforming your session from a tough workout into a chat on the move. You’ll finish feeling refreshed because you spent an hour catching up, not straining yourself, and your body will still release those lovely endorphins, so you will still achieve that glorious ‘runner’s high’. 

4. Remember how good you feel post-run 

It’s tough getting out the door, but when you get back home, you’ll appreciate the small, simple pleasures in life so much more. A hot drink tastes all the better when you’re really cold, and comfy slippers feel more luxurious after you’ve been pounding the pavements. Plus, because you will feel justifiably proud of yourself for going for a run, those simple pleasures will feel like well-earnt treats! 

We’re all in the same January boat: Remember, every single person gets low-motivation days. Don’t let the thought of a ‘hard run’ keep you on the sofa. Just focus on getting to the start point. If you’re looking for a ready-made support system to keep your New Year’s intentions alive, we’d love to have you.