Staying motivated during this time of the year can be one of the most challenging parts of training. Our last 2 posts were about the cold weather and cross training, in addition, many of you are coming up on midterm exams. Life will happen, there will always be other things to manage and working through these things on top of your running, requires maintaining focus and motivation.
The starting point, the launch spot, the beginning of becoming and staying motivated is to identify what you are trying to achieve.
What is your goal?
What is your purpose?
Today, tomorrow, next week,
a month from now, a year from now, 5 years from now…
(I will stop, I assume you get the picture)
On the first night of camp, Coach McCaff, sat you down and asked you all to write down our goals for the Cross Country season ahead.
How many of you have done this for the XC season?
If not, the time is now.
What are you going to do today, tomorrow, next week in order to be where you want to be,
a month from now, a year from now, 5 years from now?
The more of life I live, the more I realize success comes to those who are able to maintain motivation and passion. Honing your direction and refusing to be thrown off track in your pursuit is essential to success.
This requires you to remind yourself daily of the purpose behind what you are doing.
This means staying awake to your goals.
Post them where you can see them.
Make your goal time the passcode to your phone.
Your background the track you’ll be racing that next big meet on.
Maybe you’re trying to rebuild your confidence.
Go watch or replay in your mind a successful race
Make a list of your strengths as a runner, give yourself some credit
Talk with your coach, be open with them, let them support you
Maintaining motivation is hard, but the best, they build through the tougher times and come out on the other side. Day by day, task by task. Building, always building. Always Staying awake to the necessary work.
Coach Stowe