Motivation is this weeks topic over on the Runners’ Lounge blog. So, what motivates me to run?

Of course there are the things that I think motivate most people, the desire to be in shape, the need to exercise, the camaraderie of running. But for me it is really all about the show. What do I mean by “the show”? I mean that I like being able to tell people that I have run a marathon. I like that, at one point in time, I ran five miles a day. I like that my calves get uber toned and look great in skirts. My motivation for doing many things is the desire to be a person who would do those things. I don’t know that I am especially adventurous by nature, but I want to be an adventurous person, so I do things that make me that way. I’m definitely not a natural runner, but I want to be a runner, so I run. Now, when I say this, it’s not that I go around talking about running all the time. I don’t. I just like knowing that I could talk about it, should the opportunity present itself.

That is the Big Motivation. And now the daily motivations:

1. Running off whatever treat I couldn’t seem to resist.
2. The amazing sense of accomplishment that comes at the end of a good run.
3. It’s my outlet. In fact, my favorite runs (besides my 10 mile+ runs) are angry runs. I love running off my emotions. Best fuel ever! Unfortunately, I’m not really an angry person, so these don’t happen often.
4. Getting to see the little improvements that seem to manifest themselves daily. A faster mile split, lower heart rate, longer endurance, etc.
5. The muscle definition in my quads. This one is just for me since I’m not in the habit of wearing clothing that shows off my quads, but I love it!
6. My running music. I know this might sound weird, but for some reason there are certain songs that I can only listen to while running. Maybe I feel too old to listen to them otherwise. I don’t really know.
7. Watching the miles on my sidebar add up.
8. The prospect of my next race…which is why I always have one scheduled.
9. Other runners.
10. Running blogs – I love reading about others’ running experiences.

What kills my motivation?

1. Anything that sounds more enjoyable than running, which most days could be watching the wind blow, but is more often sleeping (the big run killer) or other time commitments. But, to get through that, I just plan. Like tonight, my day won’t end until 10:30 pm, but I’ll be heading to the gym to get a good run in since I won’t be running at all this weekend.

Wow, I sure am inspirational. You all know my secret, now. I don’t actually like running. But I like knowing that I run, so even though every mile (with the rare exception) is a bit painful, there are moments when I do enjoy it because I think, “I am a runner.”

So, for those of you who think you could never be a runner because you hate running, think again. You can totally do it. I think a few of my running friends would agree with me. (See, that was motivational, right?)

ETA: I forgot one of my biggest motivators. Setting an example for my darling nieces and nephews. I want to be the cool aunt who runs marathons (since the “rich aunt” position has already been filled). And on that note, here’s the newest member of my family: Hope Elizabeth.

You can read the details here.
.