Want the proof that all the running you’ve been doing is worth it?
Would it be more motivating to see progress directly?
There are a number of measures you can use to test yourself – distance and time are the most obvious.
At the beginning of any season I always gave time trials so my runners could really see improvement from Day 1 through the last weekend of race season. Many of them thought I was just trying to make it so hard they quit, but I wanted to be able to point out to them 4 weeks into training when it got really hard and motivation was lost that they were improving. I usually got big smiles and suddenly more energy put into practice when I pointed out their improvement 4 weeks in.
Do the same for yourself by timing yourself in a mile time trial or longer if you feel the need. Just remember to use the same course each time and don’t do it so often the results are muddled. Only do it once every 3-4 weeks or so – maybe during that recovery week.
Write your times down in a chart and keep up with your progress, leaving the results right in front of you to give yourself inspiration and motivation.
Day 1: Introduction
Day 2: Start Small, Build Slow
Day 3: It Doesn’t Have To Be Boring
Day 4: Stitches
Day 5: Keep a Diary
Day 6: Dangerous Thoughts
Day 7: Week 1 Done – Some Suggestions
Day 8: Treadmill Training – Baby it’s cold (or raining) outside
Day 9: A Motivational Quote for You
Day 10: Distractions
Day 11: Partner Up!
Day 12: Another Motivational Quote to Ponder
Day 13: A Word on Dehydration and Motivation
Day 14: Week 2 Flew! Check in
Day 15: Mornings
Day 16: Visual Motivators
Day 17: Knees
Day 18: Another Motivational Quote
Day 19: Don’t Forget
Day 20: The Coach
Day 21: Week 3 – Almost There!
Day 22: Give Yourself a Break
Day 23: Lower Legs and Feet
Day 24: Control
Day 25: Another Motivational Quote
Day 26: Keeping a Log?
Day 27: Test Yourself
Day 28: Week 4 – This is it!
Also, if you want more motivation, you might want to follow my Pin Board ‘Run’!