Motivation - any tips???

[Belle1811]

Hi Guys,

So after years of wanting to take part in the WDW Marathon Weekend I’ve finally done it and entered the Half Marathon . However, I’m finding it really hard to motivate myself and thought maybe some of you could give me any tips.

I think I’m mainly finding it hard to find the time to go for a run, as I’m going further it obviously takes longer. I’ve got an eight month old baby and DH works shifts so it’s difficult to fit anything in let alone going for a run, a lot of the time I’m tired and being a mum I just have a million other things I need to do.

I love taking part in organised runs, 5K’s, 10K’s etc but find training a bit of a chore. I’m determined to complete the Half Marathon but obviously need to train first. Any help would be really appreciated

 

[Kirsty-Leigh]

Hey congrats on signing up for your first 1/2!

I am sure more seasoned people are going to come along and tell you much wiser things that I can , but my best advice would be to write down a schedule of when you are going to run (make sure it fits in with your DH and mommy life, then post it on the fridge - having something visual might make you feel more accountable for your run

Also if you have a jogging stroller/pram you could get in some of the lower weekday miles with your daughter coming along for the ride.

Finallly if you feel like you don't want to go for a run try to imagine how good you will feel after or when you finish the race (with that Donald medal around your neck)

I hope this helps. Good luck

 

[windwalker]

The jogging stroller is a great idea. So is a baby backpack so you can take long walks. A treadmill would let you train at home.

Dave

 

[Belle1811]

Thanks so much, the idea of writing down when I can go for a run is great, so simple, but at least I will have some sort of schedule, and I'll definately be thinking about that medal. I'm really excited about doing the half marathon but slightly daunted by it too, I've never ran that far.

The stroller we have isn't one I could probably jog with but I can go for nice long walks with DD, as long as the good old British weather holds up all exercise helps.

And Kirsty-Leigh, you did the Goofy, that's a definate from me

I feel so much better already, I think finding DIS and knowing that I can ask a question anytime and people like you guys help is great

 

[jmasgat]

Belle First off, you have 24 weeks before the race--so don't panic! Most training plans are 16 weeks give or take, so you have time.

I agree with Kirsty--find yourself a running plan that will work for you--be realistic when you select one. I run with plans that call for running 3x/week. Other plans may have 4-5 runs. The more realistic your plan is, the more likely you can stick with it and make time for it.

Don't freak out about mileage. For a half marathon, you will likely do a long run of 10 miles--that is pretty typical.

Don't sweat the occasional bad run/day/week. We all have them. Just repeat..."I am training, this is what training is for, sometimes it's good and sometimes it's ugly"

Download the course map for the half marathon and tape it up--next to your schedule on the fridge, for example. Then when you are running, you can think "I'm x distance to the Magic Kingdom" . Sorta fun to see how you progress.

Stick with it--you can do it.

Maura

 

[Belle1811]

Thanks Maura, your encouragement means a lot

I think the course map idea is a brilliant one and have printed one off already. Sometimes you just need to hear that it's ok to have an off day or a bad run. I've got a 10K on Sunday so hopefully I'll do well in that and my confidence will be up again