Sign Up To Stick With It!

The December issue of Runner’s World, (actually they call it the January edition despite arriving yesterday - never have understood that), is filled with stories, articles, reviews and insight that is all centered around one topic; a great start to 2012.  As we are reminded throughout the magazine, a new year is always a great time for runners.  We spend a good amount of time considering mileage goals, PR’s, diet fixes, changes to training, reflection on the past year, etc.

In addition to the more tangible elements of running, we’ll often think through our motivation for the new year.  In fact, I’ll frequently consider what motivates me to run at all, in any year.  For each of us it’s likely a combination of reasons that are just a little bit different from someone else. Runner’s World asked 3,535 readers “What Motivates You?”  Their responses were:

• Training for a race      30%
• Staying healthy          27%
• Controlling weight      17%
• Relieving stress          15%
• Getting outside           5%
• Being alone                4%
• Running with friends   2%

Personally, I find motivation in most of these.  If I had to narrow it down to a top few it would be training for a race and controlling weight. Ultimately those two get me out the door when I really don’t want to go.  Of course, the accountability that has been created by way of writing this blog and working with a Run For God group, is right at the top of my list of strong motivators.  

Here’s to finding your motivation and having a great plan to hit 2012 in stride!