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How to keep your motivation to run after you have signed-up to the event

What is it you want again?

Think about what you want out of the event: to finish, to run/jog/walk it, to enjoy it or something else. This is important because it will help to keep you motivated and focused during training if you not only know what you are training for (the race) but also know what you want out of it (so you'll know how to run the event). It will also help to tell you what you need to do between now and then to reach your goal.

Variety is the spice!

Keep motivation high by keeping your runs varied and fun (or at least interesting). So, do runs of different lengths or durations, do some flat and hilly runs, runs with faster bits, road and off-road runs - variety will be good for keeping your interest high and give a good training effect on the body too.
Try to run with other runners. See if you can get some of your non-running friends to run or join a running club. Knowing that there is someone expecting you at certain place and time will help get you out the door when otherwise you might talk yourself out of the run.

Go racing!

Enter some races that will act like stepping-stones to your main event. For instance, if you have entered a half-marathon you could enter a couple of 5K and 10K races to keep your motivation high and give you a target to aim for. Then, you can learn from your experience to help you manage your main event (e.g., how fast should I start off, how do I drink during the event). Also, completing these events successfully will give you great confidence that you are on route to being well prepared for the big day.

Dr Victor Thompson
www.sportspsychologist.com
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