Through my experience running consistently, I know that it’s not every day you will wake up feeling motivated to run.
Some mornings, you will even question why you run at all.
But with a good, compelling reason, you will get you up from bed and out on the trails even when you don’t feel like it.
Here are 9 compelling reasons that will motivate you to start running and keep running for years.
- Run to Become Self-Aware
Self-awareness is having a deeper understanding of yourself.
Without self-awareness, you consistently feel stuck and disconnected from yourself and others.
Do you know that most people live long lives and die without knowing who they are? Scary right?
When you run and go further and harder than you thought possible, you break boundaries and unlock new dimensions within yourself that help you know yourself better and deeper.
This leads to what we’re calling self-awareness.
2. Run to Start the Day with Yourself
Running in the morning helps you start the day by taking care of yourself first, before other things.
It is your quiet time alone with your thoughts and feelings.
Having this self-care time every morning gives you a positive energy boost which increases your productivity.
Related Post: How to Wake Up Early For a Morning Run
3. Run to Become One with Nature
Nature is a powerful healer.
According to this article published by the Yale School of Environment, time in nature is an antidote for stress. It can lower stress and blood pressure, reduce anxiety, improve mood, and increase self-esteem.
Related Post: 7 Ways Forest Trails Are Helping Runners Lead Stronger and Healthier Lives
4. Run to be a Part of a Community
All my life I never felt like I really belonged until I started running. The amount of support you get from runners is amazing.
It doesn’t even matter how slow you run.
As long you get out there and run, you are part of a wonderful community of runners.
So, if you’ve been feeling out of place, start running and join races too.
Among other like-minded people, you will experience a sense of belonging and love for running like never before.
Related: Annual Trail Running Events in Kenya Supporting a Good Cause
5. Run to Set a Good Example
Run to empower your loved ones. Especially if you have children, let them learn the importance of leading a fit and healthy life through you.
If they see you running regularly, they will be inspired to try it too sooner or later.
6. Run to Feel Good
Running is one of the best hacks for feeling good.
When you run, your brain releases wonderful neurotransmitters, including serotonin, which regulates happiness.
Also, running regularly gradually improves your physique by reducing fat and toning your body, which helps you feel good and confident.
7. Run to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Through pushing beyond your usual boundaries every day, running helps you step out of your comfort zone and grow into the best version of yourself.
8. Run to Inspire
It’s not just about you and your loved ones, you know?
It’s also about people miles away who don’t even know you.
Run to inspire them. Talk about it (running) and post about it.
9. Run to Appreciate Your Body
Your body is the only one you have, and it does so much for you without asking for anything in return.
Why not appreciate it, too, by running to help it function better?
When you run, blood circulation throughout the body increases, improving the health of your brain, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and muscles.
Bonus Tips
There’s an audio on social media with great running motivation.
It says, do not run to lose weight, for a six-pack, or a big booty.
Run:
- To walk without a cane when you’re older
- To carry your groceries comfortably
- To climb up the stairs without pain
- To manage stress and anxiety
- To sit and stand effortlessly
- To prevent injuries
- For good posture
Now I’d like to hear from you.
Which reason helps you stay motivated to run every day?
Please comment in the comment box below to encourage other runners.
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