This ones hard! I am training for the same half marathon, and I’ve adjusted Hal Higdon’s plan to suit my needs. I’m trying to focus on one run/training at a time, and I’ve also been trying to squeeze them out before work, which helps me SO much. Also, I know tons of other people are running the same half, so see if you can find someone to run the long runs with you! I bet you can!

As much as I hate cross-training, it’s what keeps enthusiastic about running. A bike ride is nice, but I’m always looking forward to the next day when I can RUN!

One mantra/quote I like when I’m making too many excuses with training (or anything, really) is: “When you feel like giving up, remember all the reasons you’ve held on this long.” -I wish I remembered who is was by…fail by me!

I stay motivated by thinking about the positive–that incredible feeling of accomplishment, success, and achievement when I’ve completed something for which I am well-prepared and ready. If I really need a push, I allow myself to think for a minute about things that I wasn’t ready for, and I remember how scared, anxious, and uneasy I felt doing them. Thinking about both types of situations motivates me to push myself and train because I know that the outcome will be so much better. When that doesn’t work, I just bite the bullet–like Emily, I just put on my workout clothes and tell myself I’ll just get outside and see where my body takes me. Usually, my body picks up the slack just fine and I end up doing workouts that I didn’t think possible. Good luck!

You wrote about being a “list” person a few days ago, I’m the same way and I always get excited to cross off my daily training runs. It’s so satisfying. However, if I miss a run, I’ll replace the distance with a positive spin on what took up the time. Things like, “accomplished a big project at work,” or “caught up on much needed sleep,” or “unplanned drinks with friends.” It makes me feel just as good to cross these things off my list and they are essential for helping me keep things in perspective.

I have been very much struggling with the “excuses” – especially the “its too cold outside.”

I need to get over that hurdle – and layer my clothes – it is time to get back in the game!

This is totally going to sound super know-it-all, punch-me-in-the-face. Honestly I saw this one coming for you. This is your first winter in a place that actually has winters (I guess besides your time in college, but you didn’t run then right?). Do you know if the icy/wintery/snowy stuff is uncommon there and will go away soon and never come back? Or maybe you’ll need to invest in a gym membership to get access to a treadmill. I live in a super wintery place so I’m treadmill-ing it up.

I agree with those who aim for the “post-run” satisfaction over the “I have to run this because of my race” to motivate you. Of course, I think about “the race,” but I try to enjoy (most) runs for what they are. And if I’m not feeling it, I postpone/skip. Not that this should be done often (especially with those critical long runs!), but it’s just a thought.

I have stopped running with my Garmin, and it has worked wonders on my motivation.

Hi Caitlin-
I live in Scottsdale…where are you staying?
Also, I’ve been so interested in becoming involved with Girls on the Run. I’m assuming you’re speaking at a local chapter. Is it open to newbies that would like to become involved? Do you have anymore info.?

I’m over the ice, too. Why do I feel so much more motivated to run when the weather prohibits it? =)

I’m on a rest week due to a strain injury in my foot. I need to get back running as my half is only 6 weeks away! ACK!

I feel great when I get out and run, but this week its either swimming, or the exercise bike… I will use the bike today…

Don’t stress yourself out too much about these missed runs! Next time you try an make an excuse about not running envision how good you will feel after you’ve made yourself go for the training run (even if the run itself wasn’t fantastic). I always feel like I’ve accomplished a lot when I run when I didn’t particularly want to!

Don’t forget to pack your running shoes for Arizona- no ice there!

I hate exercising indoors too! Since you’re digging The Motivator, I will say that I’ve found that longer rides DEFINITELY help my running speend and endurance (although running has never helped my riding…). So consider hopping on the trainer on days you can’t get your run it. My only suggestion is make sure you get your heartrate up to where you would when you’re running! That can be tricky because it’s easier to be lazy on the trainer than it is when running…

Caitlin – I hear ya! We’ve had snow off and on here in Seattle too. I tell myself the same things – it’s too icey to run, too cold, too dark, can’t drive to gym in the snow, etc. I’m thinking of buying a treadmill so then I have NO excuses not to get my run in when it’s too this or that outside. But omg the nice ones aren’t cheap so we have to wait. Have you thought about buying a treadmill too?

I do two seemingly contradictory things that seem to actually complement each other. First, I tell myself I have to go. I schedule it and count on doing it. Second, I always, ALWAYS give myself permission to stop. As others have said above, I’ve almost never regretted going on a run or working out but certainly have rued missing out on a sweat session.

Also, I’ve learned through college, medical school, and now residency that life rarely gets easier to balance; age and complicated schedules are strongly correlated! So I continue to make self care a priority, and know myself well enough to know that I am better off running than sleeping in an extra 30 minutes.

P.S. Get yourself some yaktrax!! Seriously.

I just go by it day by day. If I start making excuses, I allow myself to make them the entire time I’m getting dressed, lacing up my shoes, and heading out the door. than I drop them and just go. Once I get going, it’s hard to stop. 🙂

no more excuses i say, live in the now

Starting to train right now would be so difficult. I think it’s even more difficult when you KNOW you can run that amount!

I miss liking running. I’m like austin powers: I’ve lost my mojo and love for the sport 🙁

You are going to have an amazing time in Scottsdale! It is one of my favorite places to visit (the hus has family there). It will definitely be nice respite from the cold and ice!

hi!
do you not put dressing on your salads?

I have the same problems when it comes to running sometimes. I am a full time grad student taking more than the recommended amount of classes, plus am about to receive my first client. I’m freaking out! But I know that training will all be worth it. 🙂 My favorite line during the training for my first marathon was, “If it were easy, everyone would do it.” –and it really is so true! Good luck with your training 🙂

I got into this rut between my second and third race. There was a wind and cold snap in FL and I hate running on treadmills.

The good thing is my husband and I were on the same training plan, so it made it harder to “cancel” a run because I wasn’t just hurting myself, I was hurting his training as well.