My real running motivation

I learned something new about my running self today.  Races motivate me more than anything else to run.  This is the first run that I have had since August (when I started training for the NYC Marathon) where I haven’t had a race coming up to train for.

When I got up this morning and procrastinated doing anything productive for 2 hours I finally told myself that I should run but then I thought WHY?  I don’t have anything to train for?!?!

Somehow I made it onto the treadmill (by this time it was already 92 degrees outside and there was no way I was going to run in that) and once I got running and started feeling less nauseated (when will this feeling go away for good?) and the endorphins started kicking in I thought this is WHY I should run even when I don’t have any races on the schedule.

8 miles total in 80 minutes followed by my favorite thing to do after a treadmill run…

Lay down on the hot treadmill belt.

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Take my shoes off and put my feet up.

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I can only stay on my back like that for a minute or two because of the baby but dang it felt good.

Safe to say that a good chunk of our earnings for the rest of our lives will be going towards races because that is my biggest motivator to get me out the door (or on the treadmill) to run and then the rest of the benefits from running come along with it.

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I really am way too indecisive when it comes to food.  How could someone have two pieces of toast with the exact same toppings on both slices?  So one piece of toast was sweet (jam and a laughing cow cheese wedge) and one piece of toast was savory with eggs.

Look it is a vegetable on my plate.  I thought I should add some green so that all of the orange didn’t hurt your eyes.

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I found Billy’s pictures from Ragnar today on our camera and decided to post them without even asking him.

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Best scenery ever.

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His ITBand ended up flaring up again but overall he absolutely loved the experience of Ragnar.  He has taken off all of last week and will probably try out a short run this week.  Silly injuries ruining people’s lives.

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Are you highly motivated like me by RACES?!?!

Favorite toast toppings?

Out of all of the races that you have done, which had the most beautiful scenery?

What was the main color in your lunch today?

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62 comments

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So far, hands down, American Fork Canyon has been the prettiest run and most organized and best food afterwards!

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Ummm…if I don’t have a race, it’s very hard for me to stay motivated. I love having something to visualize when I’m running!! =) But awesome job on the run – I have to say, I am SO unmotivated to run on the treadmill lately. I go through phases and right now, I can barely run a few miles on there. But if I’m outside, I have to force myself to stop =)
I’m boring – just peanut butter on toast! (no jelly!)
Lunch was eggplant parm, an apple, and grapes – so a mix of colors!
Favorite race scenary – Midnight Sun Marathon in Anchorage, AK!

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I love that you lay on your treadmill after you run. :)
I am the SAME way with toast- I can’t have the same topping on both pieces…I have to at least have different jelly. It’s a must!!
Main color in lunch today: green! I had a salad.

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I HAVE to have races on the calendar! Right now I have either a full or half marathon in Oct-Feb, 2013. I love it and it keeps me motivated. Favorite scenic race so far was the Nike Women’s Marathon, it was my first trip to San Francisco and I loved running along the water and seeing the Golden Gate Bridge made running the hills worth it!

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Very motivated by races – that is how I got back into running last month with MAYhem, a race every weekend.

Peanut butter one piece, jelly the other.

Catalina had the best by far – so beautiful!

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I loved Ragnar too! I didn’t do it this year but the two times I did do it it was so much fun and pretty. I love running down most canyons in Utah county, Hobble Creek canyon in the fall is probably my most favorite:)

I struggle with motivation too when I don’t have a race. This is my last hard week before the Hobbler half on the 7th, after that I’m not sure, I might do the speedy spaniard 10k on the 24th.

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I am so motivated my races too. I have one I already paid for for next month, but not sure if I am going to do it. So I don’t have much motivation to run if I am not going to do it. But it does feel good to run and be active.

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My favorite toast topping is nutella! Or if I’m not in the mood for something sweet, I’ll go the old-fashioned route and just use butter.

The main color in my lunch today was red, due to the half a pound of strawberries I consumed.

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Definitely helps to have a race to train for I’ve only run twice since my last half in May and my partner is being sent overseas in August, which is when my next race is on! No babysitter no race:( Favorite toast topping P.b&jam, apple slices, cottage cheese with cinnamon! Most beautiful scenery Buller gorge marathon, Westport, New Zealand.

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I am going to have to try your toast topping of cc and cinnamon, that sounds incredible. Yeah, I bet that New Zealand marathon is absolutely gorgeous!! I will come babysit:)

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Bummer you probably cant fly over to NZ to babysit since your so pregnant now, otherwise I bet you’d do it;-)

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I am very motivated by races and I’m cheap so I always register early for races. I don’t think in the last 2yrs there has been a time where I have not had at least one race on the calendar!

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main color in my lunch was green…mostly from guacamole!

my favorite toast topping is my friends moms homemade muscadine jelly..its so yummy!!

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Injuries do ruin lives!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am tired of being sidelined!

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Heck yes! I love racing and it motivates me for sure. I cannot wait to run more races again, hopefully next season!
Peanut butter and banana :)
I did one in Banff, AB in the mountains so I think that one wins but I have it on my “list” to run a race along the ocean.
I did not have a main color, I had quinoa salad with everything in it!

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Peanut butter then smashed cranberries drizzled with agave nectar is AWESOME on toast!

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I need to try this treadmill trick you like so much to see what it is all about. Do you think fellow gym goers will think I am crazy?!

Peanut butter and banana (sorry to mention pb) or good old cinnamon and sugar.

TOTALLY motivated by races! It is weird for me to get up and exercise just ‘because’. And the most beautiful race has been the Red Rock Relay. Running through snow canyon as the sun was rising and lighting up the red rocks=amazing!

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Aww, man, poor Billy :( An ITB injury put me out of running for 7 months in 2010. It was a sad, sad time! Lots of ice and ibuprofen for him.

I feel you on races. I need to have motivation. I also really need a training program to keep me on track! Although I ran a PR 10K this weekend after 3 weeks of little to no running, but I think I just got lucky ;)

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I haven’t been ‘a runner’ long, but recently ran my first half marathon…I didn’t realize until after the race how much training motivated me. Ever since then it’s been hard to get my butt running so I’m looking into races right now to register for! Goals are always helpful :)

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I have to have a race coming up or it gets tricky in terms of training. My next race is in Sept and I have realized that it is too far out to stay motivated during the hot summer but watching the Olympic track trials has been motivating though.

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I totally agree…the Olympic track trials have been super motivating!

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I don’t know why I decided to read some of your earlier blog posts. I picked October 31, 2010. You actually said something like “I can’t remember the last time I ate a donut” hahaha.

My favorite toast toping is nutella w/sliced bananas or pb & jelly

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SERIOUSLY…I don’t even know who I used to be. How did I live without the fried dough in my life. Your toast toppings sound amazing:)

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It’s been super hot here lately as well. Low/mid 90s. So crappy for running. I’m a baby when it comes to running in high heat. I’d rather run in the cold.

Unfortunately my complex’s gym only has two treadmills and its always a gamble whether or not ill get one.

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Nicole, I am JUST like you and would so much rather run in the cold.

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Yes, I have to have a race coming up to train consistently. Without a doubt. Toast toppings are peanut butter and honey.
Malibu Half Marathon was beyond scenic and my lunch was GREEN!

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I like having a race in the horizon, but honestly, if I WANT to run, then I love running!

Yay for yummy toast in all shapes, sizes, and flavors :) Love a savory one and a sweet one!

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look at you, lying on your treadmill!! you’re too cute :)

peanut butter on toast is one of my favorite things, ever.

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Green lunch today! Ceasar salad and buttery green beans on the side!

Yes races are a must to keep motivated. If I could afford it I would enter a race once a month. Right now I have a few I want to sign up for…

Haven’t really ran any scenic races to be honest…next year :)

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I tend to not really be motivated by races unless it’s a marathon. Otherwise, I just sort of run whatever, no matter what.

That plate looks like what I’m about to make myself for dinner.

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I am 100% motivated by races! I get all too excited about training runs. I even print out calendars months in advance and write out my training schedule for each day.

My favorite toast topping used to be butter or jam until just yesterday at Target I saw Land O’ Lakes made a Cinnamon Sugar butter! It’s exactly as wonderful as it sounds.

I live in Portland,OR so I am very fortunate to have wonderful scenery for basically all of my runs. But my favorite so far has been during an early morning run on my usual running path and the wetlands had created a low lying misty fog. It was very cool and eery at the same time.

The main color of my lunch was red, I ate a lot of strawberries. :)

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races and stress relief are my biggest motivators. i have shin splints right now for the first time in my life which is causing a lot of stress, and i don’t know what to do with myself because i don’t have running as an outlet! it’s really killing me :( i am scared i won’t be ready for my marathon in the fall

favorite toast topping is peanut butter

the best scenery of any race i’ve run was the pittsburgh marathon!

my lunch was green.. salad with grilled chicken, cucumber and pesto.. mmmm

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I’m a fairly competitive person in pretty much all the parts of my life EXCEPT running.

Thankfully I love long runs for the sake of long runs!

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Races definitely help motivate me, but if I’m not in the mindset to run…it doesn’t happen. If I have something to train for I have to mentally prep myself each day, “remember you must run or else your race will be crummy!”.

I would say my favorite toast topping is tied between honey/peanut butter/bananas (favorite sandwich as a kid), or strawberry freezer jam. YUM. Also, I would have to say I am extremely fortunate to have gorgeous scenery for my runs seeing as I live in Portland, OR…but my favorite are either around the LO lake or waterfront downtown.

My lunch was mainly brown & green. Random colors…I had left over pork chops and broccoli.

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I’m definitely motivated by races, but I’m also motivated by you! I’d love to be at a point where I run so much each day! I loooooove longer runs, these 3-4 mile ones during the week just aren’t as fun as my weekend long runs!

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Hmmm, maybe that’s what I need to do! I’m still fairly new to running, but maybe signing up for a 5K is just the kick in the pants I need to get out of bed early! And my lunch was green. Avocado, spinach, snap peas with some mustard, chicken, and 12 grain bread thrown in. Oh, and some pineapple. So maybe green and yellow!

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ANDREA…yes, totally sign up for a 5k. Races help motivate me SO much and I highly recommend signing up for them. Way to go on your GREEN lunch!

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Races are the biggest motivator! I was SO motivated before my half. And now, uhhhh… It’s just SO hot outside and the thought of doing long runs on a treadmill make me want to die. I am indecisive with everyyyything. Favorite toast topping is peanut butter for sure. If not, avocado!

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I am definitely motivated by races. It’s a goal I can’t push back on. It’s going to happen whether I’m ready or not, so I should be ready!

Favorite thing on toast – Peanut Butter! I love when it’s melting on the toast. One of the best smells ever, too! I’m also a fan of avocado and eggs too.

Most of the races I run are in Central Park. Looking forward to racing in Northern Michigan this summer!

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I am definitely motivated by races! I’m also a procrastinator by nature and have to remind myself that unlike a test I cannot wait until the night before a race to run and expect to do well… and I’m also affected by how well my race goes.. after I PR’ed in my half in March I LOVED running and couldn’t get enough… than my marathon was so not enjoyable in April and now I’m having a hard time bouncing back

I don’t usually do toast BUT I love an asiago bagel with butter…

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Today I would like to thank you for two things.
1) reintroducing me to Laughing Cow cheese wedges. The swiss cheese wedges are my new pregnancy craving
2) you’ve inspired me to run a 5k at 20 weeks pregnant (4th of July race). I was not able to work out hard (and eventually at all) during my first pregnancy, but your posts have really inspired me this time around. I’m usually just hiking, ellipticizing, and walking, but I usually run a 10k every 4th, and figured I could easily to a 5k this year (pushing my 15 month old in a stroller) as long as I listen to my body!
Thank you!

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I am SO motivated by races, which is why I always sign up for so many :) Right now I have to start training for races in September and my relay in October. I love having things to look forward too.

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With your runs, how often do you find you have to lube the belt on your treadmill? Just curious because my mom has one and it seems like it had to be lubed not long after she got it. I totally see a treadmill in my future, I just want it to be super stellar!

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The Ragnar photos are beautiful!
I rarely race and just (mostly) run because I love it! I think we all have those days when it’s hard to get going though! I think the fact that you have you’ve got a person growing inside you might be part of that reason!

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Yes – I need races of any form to get me out the door. I love running – even without races! There is just something about a training plan and a goal that makes you push a little bit harder.

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i saw you post about putting your legs up like that on the wall after a long run and you are so right…it feels so great! stretches the hamstrings and helps with circulation :) Win!

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I do the same thing with toast/english muffins/bagels. I like to do one with some sort of pb concoction and the other with something like laughing cow cinnamon cream cheese or regular laughing cow and strawberry jam.

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He only took 3 pics!!! I have a couple of him, since he passed off to me. I would hand off my iPhone to Heather and have her take pics. I love the hand-off…it always makes for a great pic!
Great scenery for Ragnar, but my favorite Ragnar leg was running through the town of Temeculla (Sp?) in SoCal at around 8pm on a Friday night. Everyone was all dressed up and out and about and I ran along the wooden sidewalks. It’s was just cool! My Moab runs have been fun, but the new “thelma & louise” half marathon was supreme!

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Pleasing you should think of somnthieg like that

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Yeah, I definitely need something to motivate me to train…it’s half marathons at the moment. Otherwise I sit on the sofa or stay in bed!!!

I love peanut butter on my toast when I have scrambled eggs. It sounds weird but it’s so delicious. Haven’t been able to convert anyone yet.

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Your post inspired me! I had one bagel with cookie butter and the other, turkey. hah. Random but I couldn’t decide, best of both worlds.
The main color in my lunch was green- I had salad with a nectarine.
Truth be told, races don’t really motivate me. I ran my first half with only 3 days worth of training runs (I’ve been running for years so I wasn’t doing it with no foundation). I’ve come to realize that what really makes me run, and run harder once I start, is thinking about the person who originally made me passionate about running–who is no longer able to run.
Aside from getting slightly depressed every time I think about it, it makes me want to run like Forrest Gump and make up for all the running that person can no longer do. :(

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I’m glad to see you’re enjoying the Laughing Cow & jam combo on toast! Still one of my favorites!

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I am loving avocado on toast lately…mashed with a bit of garlic powder, salt and black pepper! My main lunch color is green today–> insert halo ;)!

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I’m definitely motivated by races!
In fact, I just signed up for a crazy 22-mile trail race. Now I HAVE TO do more trail running in preparation!

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AHHH I ran ragnar again this year and I see one of my teammates in the first picture! So awesome. I also had IT band issues :( But the PT there on the course taught me a cool trick that helped me run with a little less pain. She took pre-wrap and wrapped my thigh, then rolled it into a tighter band and had it over where I felt pain the most. Somehow this took the pressure off and I felt less pain in my knee!! I was able to wear this while I ran my last two legs. Kinda hard to describe maybe I can find a picture or something? Anyways it’s the best thing and now I don’t have to let IT band issues stop me if I really want to run a race or something.

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in 2010 i ran the american discovery trail marathon in colorado. twas gorgeous.

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I 100% agree with you that races are my main motivation. When I don’t have a race to train for it’s easy to make excuses because there aren’t really any conseqences, but when you know you have an event to prepare you for you want to do your best.
The race with the best scenery would have to go to the Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon

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I love putting toppings on my toast that I made. Like homemade strawberry jam! My black raspberries are in season now, I might be making some of that, too. I picked so many strawberries that I made a TRIPLE batch of jam. We’ll be eating that for a long time! Want some? :D

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Definitely. Races motivate me and I feel kinda lost without something on the horizon. I should take some time for a break or to do something else, but I find that hard to do. I get stuck in the “what’s the point” doldrums sometimes.

For toast or mini bagels, I have been doing combos too. One half will be PB with grape jam or honey and one half will just be SmartBalance. I like how crunchy my toast or bagel stays with just “butter” on it, but I want the PB protein too. Best of both worlds!

Main color of my lunches mon-wed this week is green–mostly lettuce from my little backyard garden, plus carrots, cucumbers, etc. Yay!

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I’m the same- I never really lose any weight with running, so that is not the motivation. I love the eeling after, but that doesn’t get me out the door…it is knowing I am in a race.

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Races are definitely a huge motivating factor! It’s so hard for me to just run without a big picture to take into consideration. My next big race isn’t until September, and if it wasn’t for the Runner’s World Summer Run Streak, I would have taken a huge running hiatus. :-/

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It’s sad how big of a motivator races are for me, but I’m a broke college student and I’m motivated not to waste my money!
Plus race day adrenaline never fails to pull me out of a running funk, I love it!

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