How I stay motivated to run in the morning

I recently ran a poll on my Facebook page asking runners if they struggled for motivation to run in the morning and the results of this poll revealed that 100% of the participants struggle for motivation to run in the morning! I'm hoping this blog can help with that.

The truth is that motivation fades for everyone. You should not depend on it but rather, create a system of habits that incorporate running as part of your every day schedule.

This is how I stay consistent with my running:
Every night before bed, I lay out all my running gear, accessories and gadgets on a table. I preset an alarm with a label that's typically something like - "No excuses! Get your butt out of bed!" or "Sleep is for broke people. Start running." Once that's done, and I'm settled I start to visualize my run the next morning. I imagine how good it feels to be alive, to be able to run comfortably in the cool, morning breeze. This nightly ritual keeps me locked in and focused and it generates excitement for my next run. Nowadays, what previously required motivation and willpower is now standard operating procedure. I don't feel like running sometimes, but I go out and run regardless. Don’t sit around waiting for the moment when you feel like going for a run, because that moment may never come. The trick is to just go, even when you don’t feel like running. Some of you reading this are employed and some (maybe most) days you don't feel like going for work but you show up anyway. It's the same system you need to employ for your running -- Get up, lace up and show up!

All in all, it's not about motivation; it's about the discipline of getting things done by building a system of habits.

Here are some tips that you can use to get your runs completed consistently:

• Sleep at a good time, preferably one that allows for at least 7 hours of sleep before a planned run. For example, if you plan to run at 5am the next morning then you should target being asleep by 10pm the night before
• When you wake up, you should immediately get dressed in your running gear
• Start your day with motivational music or speeches to help set the tone and get you ready for action. I personally listen to TD Jakes motivation speech compilations on YouTube and it fires me up!
• Create a reward system for yourself. It can be anything. Schedule a massage right after your weekend long run or spoil yourself with a new running gift in the form of gear, gadgets or accessories. Even a small slice of cake is acceptable provided you don't abuse this element of the reward system! A night out with your friends can also be considered a rewarding experience, just be sure to run first and play later
• Visualize your next run the night before bed. Picture yourself running comfortably and enjoying the forward motion of running. This practice will get you in the zone
• Work with a trainer/coach for expert help, motivation and encouragement. If you're not where you want to be, and your body is the same as it was 6 months ago despite various diet and exercise interventions then you should strongly consider working with someone that can help you

Motivation is temporary, discipline is permanent.