How do you stay motivated to train for 26.2??

[tigger2esq]

Seriously, when I was training for my first marathon I needed some serious motivation... some reward at the end of that dark tunnel that I could set my sights on and never look back. IN 2006 I decided that it would be shoes. not any shoes mind you but these babys: http://www.jimmychoo.com/pws/ProductDetails.ice?ProductID=39802

I taped a picture to my treadmill. In the end I didnt actually buy them (I couldnt bring myself to spend $500 on a pair of shoes but I did try them on at Nordstroms in Philly... LOL) so I treated myself to a pair of Stewart Weitzmans...

This time the shoes were not enough motivation (the Mickey medal helped but I needed a little extra boost) so my DH said he would buy me this: http://www.register123.com/event/profile/web/index.cfm?PKwebID=0x91695a7a2

After last week's performance, I am now the proud owner of the litho production proof number 1 (out of I think 320)--I couldnt believe we got a #1!!!(our local TK gallery is evidently one of the top in the country and often gets very low LE numbers according to the salesperson). (I prefer the paper under glass to the canvas and they are much easier to afford.. LOL) Now to get it framed and hung. I cant wait.

 

[princessrunner]

Funny on the JC and SW. I only completed the half but decided to treat myself to a Michael Kors shopping spree after I got back. My wardrobe is pretty casual at home so I managed 3 tees, 1 pair of capris and a pair of skinny jeans which actually fit over my runners thighs (I think I need to ease up on the XT squats) and a beautiful pair of MK platform pumps. Great minds........

BTW, love the castle print. It is absolutely stunning!!!!!

 

[tigger2esq]

I am a big fan of Michael Kors!! have you discovered zappos.com yet? its addicting.. LOL
(and dont say "only" re: the half marathon. 13.1 miles is no small feat! )

 

[princessrunner]

Michael Kors is my favorite I have to say. I forgot that I found a purse at our local TJ Maxx (discount store) for $59.00. Yep you read that right. An original Michael Kors regularly $238.00 purse. I was stoked to say the least. And, now that I am training for a marathon, 13.1 becomes an only, kind of like a 5K is ONLY 3 miles...LOL...

 

[tigger2esq]

thats amazing!! I ahve heard thsoe TJ Maxx stories about finds like that (My Dh's step mom is a pro). unfortunately I dont have the patience to shop at those places. I get frustrated too easily going through all the racks etc.. LOL

although I did get some great shoe deals at Filene's basement in Baltimore last year and found a coach bag there for a steal. I was by myself though and had a lot of time to browse without an impatiend DH and toddler in tow which helped.

 

[windwalker]

I'm hoping that the miles/hours team game will provide some extra motivation. Especially is the team scores are close. Of course there will be some "Trash" talking to fire each other up to.

Another good motivation is to decide to do it for someone else. Example: I want to stay strong and healthy so I can be a good example to my children/spouse/sister/brother ect....

Wondering Lost Panda

 

[tigger2esq]

re: motivation--I did also run disney this year to raise money in honor of my dad who is celebrating 5 years cancer free!! In the end I collected $2680 for the susan g komen breast cancer foundation or just a wee bit more than $100 per mile. that definitely kept me moving toward that finish line!

 

[princessrunner]

I think that is AWESOME!! And yay for your Dad too!! I definitely thought of mine when I came into the home stretch and hoped that somewhere he was watching and really proud of me. It will be 5 years since we lost him in February.

I DO run for him, for myself, for my kidlets and that is truly my motivation. I want to live longer and stronger and I want to set the example for my own that living healthy is the way to go. But, really, lets face facts, we are just in it for the bling...LOL...

 

[hoosmi]

I told everyone I knew that I was running Goofy. Most people laughed at me (except the runners who shuddered). I didn't care- it made it seem more real to just tell people. One caveat- I told the WISH people long before I told the real world. I also ran a few 5ks just to keep my nerve up.

I told my daughter, who told all of her friends. I overheard my daughter in the car with one of her know-it-all friends. The friend was talking about how she was "best" at gymnastics, art, sports, reading, etc. The list seriously went on and on. (Can you say tedious?) My daughter caught my eye in the rear view mirror and announced "my mom's running a marathon." Silence. I know it's very petty of me, but it was a beautiful moment... It was also the moment I knew I was in it to finish, like it or not.

Shoes would work too. I probably need to re-think my shoe wardrobe. Now that my focus shifted, I can barely get to church properly dressed, but probably have enough running shoes to wear a different pair each day of the week... and don't get me started on the running clothes...

Jen in GA

 

[wtpclc]

Our reward is a week in WDW. WOrks well for us!

 

[swim-mom]

This time the shoes were not enough motivation (the Mickey medal helped but I needed a little extra boost) so my DH said he would buy me this: http://www.register123.com/event/profile/web/index.cfm?PKwebID=0x91695a7a2

After last week's performance, I am now the proud owner of the litho production proof number 1 (out of I think 320)--I couldnt believe we got a #1!!!(our local TK gallery is evidently one of the top in the country and often gets very low LE numbers according to the salesperson). (I prefer the paper under glass to the canvas and they are much easier to afford.. LOL) Now to get it framed and hung. I cant wait.

Not to be too personal, but I love that picture can you PM me the cost? That castle brings back alot of wonderful memories of me and my sisters!!

 

[Zela]

Mainly just having an excuse to go back to Disney gave me incentive. Also knowing that after the race I would enjoy a guilt free dinner at Waffle House helped.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I think I get most of my motivation from DH. He has been through so much and just keeps on keepin' on. I truly enjoy being outside so that part is magic for me, but when it gets tough, I have him in my thoughts.

Oh, and an occasional jewelry reward is always fun. Something like the watch, necklace or such has definitely helped. After this one I haven't rewarded myself with any specialty just yet.