Motivation

Motivation is different to every person. Some people are easily motivated while others struggle to get up and get going. I grew up with a saying on my mirror that said "The only person that can motivate you, is YOU!" That saying has stuck with me over the years.

I was talking to Hungry the other day about becoming a runner. He asked me why? I didn't really have a reason, but I thought it would be a good idea. He looked me like I had five heads and then asked me if how I could become a runner without a true "why?" He explained that most people need to a motivating factor to become a runner, especially if they are like me and have no love for running. I am one of those people that hate running! I think it is boring, lonely, and down right stupid. To say its a waste of time is a severe exaggeration, because I know its a good exercise but to be completely honest, I can think of a lot better way to spend my time. My aunt lent me the book The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer a few months back that I still haven't really read, but I have thumbed through it a few times. I ended up giving it to Hungry so that he could read it and tell me what I do and don't need to do to become a runner.

He sent me a link about having a free online smart running coach. It is a great program. All you have to do is log on, fill in some basic information and it gives you a training program. Score for me! Hungry went ahead and signed up for the Denver Marathon, in hopes that registering and telling everyone that he registered will motivate him to really run a marathon. Me on the other hand haven't signed up and don't really plan on doing it for at least a month. The training for the 1/2 marathon and full marathon are the same for the first 4 weeks. I figured that gives me a month to decide a) if my knee and back can handle the running, b) if I even like running and c) which race I want to do. Pretty sad that I am 26 years old and have a bad knee and lower back...not to mention my bum rib that continues to provide me with new challenges.

I will be training along with the Smart Running Coach and Hungry will be training along with the Non-Runner's Marathon book. Hungry found his motivation, and mine will probably be found daily within myself. I did however, print out the quote "The only person who can motivate you, is YOU" and placed it on my mirror. I have always believed that quote, so I don't see any reason to not believe it now.