6 Inspiring Running Quotes for a Burst of Running Motivation
Having a rough day? Need some running motivation?
It happens to everyone.
Low-motivation days are normal, and happen to runners all the time.
But how do you move forward? How do you power through it and get back on track?
I always start with reading inspirational running quotes.
Why?
Inspiration makes me happy and gives me energy.
Energy gives me motivation.
Motivation makes me lace up the ole running sneakers and run.
And BOOM. I’ve powered through the low-energy moment.
Success!
Ready to Get Your Running Motivation Back?
Read these 6 inspiring quotes (and then we’ll talk about additional ways to find that elusive running motivation if reading quotes doesn’t do the trick).
Running Quote #1
“Running has taught me that I’m capable of so much more than I ever imagined”
I love this quote because it’s SO TRUE.
I wasn’t a runner until recently. Before that, I couldn’t even run 2 miles.
But one day I decided my goal for the year would be to run a 10 Miler.
So I signed up. Trained for it. And ran it!
I NEVER would have dreamed of running 10 miles when I was younger….but I did, and it was amazing.
What has running taught you? Did running ever make you feel super capable?
Running Quote #2
“Run often. Run long. But never outrun your joy of running.” – Julie Isphording (former Olympic runner)
I love long runs.
I’ve also acquired a deep appreciation for making running a habit.
So what does that mean?
It means I love to run long, and I love to run often.
But sometimes after tough weeks or months-long training cycles, I need a break.
And that break from running…it makes me love running more.
Why?
Because I want running to be joyful. Not a forced task. And if it starts to feel that way…it’s break time.
So remember to keep the joy in your running routine. This quote reminds me to do just that!
Running Quote #3
“If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.” -Fred DeVito
Runners know the meaning of this quote very well!
Speed workouts? A challenge.
Hill workouts? A challenge.
Race day? A challenge.
But guess what?
Every one of those challenges makes you a better runner. Your body (and mind) gets stronger when faced with challenges.
So remember to embrace the challenges. In running, and in life.
Running Quote #4
“Running is alone time that lets my brain unspool the tangles that build up over days.” -Rob Haneisen
Nothing is more true.
I cherish alone time. And running gives me the gift of alone time.
Are you upset? Go for a run.
Are you sad? Go for a run.
Are you happy? Go for a run.
Unspool your thoughts. Work through it. Allow yourself to think and feel without interruption. It’s a magical thing.
Running Quote #5
“Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must, just never give up.” -Dean Karnazes
This is one of my favorite running quotes because it reminds me to be resilient and persistent.
Running isn’t always easy.
For example, during my first half marathon, I tweaked my knee around mile 6.
That means I had 7.1 miles left, for those of you playing along at home.
I wanted to give up. My knee hurt. I was frustrated. And sad. And mad.
But I was absolutely determined to finish the race.
So I hobble-ran/walked the last 7.1 miles through gritted teeth (and occasional tears).
The pride I feel about finishing through adversity is indescribable.
Moral of the story: Never give up.
Running Quote #6
“The voice inside your head that says you can’t do this is a liar.” -Unkown
It’s true…that voice can be our worst enemy.
Or our biggest champion.
Ignore the negative voice. And change the dialog. You have that power.
Find a mantra or quote you like, and repeat it in your head when that voice in your head tries to say unhelpful things to you.
My favorite mantra: “She believed she could, so she did”.
It gets me through tough runs. Or tough races (like when I tweaked my knee half way through my first half marathon).
Use the power of your mind to help you instead of hurt you.
5 Other Ways to Get Your Running Motivation Back
In a running funk?
Bummer.
It happens to a lot of runners, for many reasons.
Sometimes we run too often and burn out, other times we train too hard and become tired.
Or, we take too much time off and can’t figure out how to get back into a rhythm.
No matter what the reason is…it sounds like you’re ready to get your running motivation back!
Try these:
- Take the Pressure Off – maybe you need a break? It’s ok to reduce mileage or take an entire week off if you mentally (and physically) need it. Runners put so much pressure on themselves to hit goals, hit a certain weekly mileage or pace, that we sometimes over-do it. Get your motivation back with a break and you’ll feel refreshed and ready to go afterwards!
- Pick a New Goal or Sign Up for a Race – Or, alternately, sometimes we lack motivation because we haven’t been running enough and need a new goal to generate excitement. Pick a 5K (or whatever your favorite distance is) and sign up for a race! You’ll feel energized and excited to train.
- Run with a Friend – Commit to running with a friend. That way, you won’t want to break the commitment by bailing. And sometimes the act of getting out and running opens the motivation floodgates.
- Follow #runnersofinstagram on the Insta -You know all those happy runner posts on Instagram? The ones you kinda find annoying but yet secretly love? Scroll through some. See the excitement in the runners’ eyes. The accomplishments. Try not to get amped up about running after that. 🙂
- Just Do 1 Mile – A last resort (but it works). Can’t work up the motivation to go for a longer run? Tell yourself you’ll just do 1 mile. Why does this work? 2 reasons. 1.) It takes the pressure off from feeling like you have to run many miles and 2.) It gets you dressed and out there, which usually leads to you running more than 1 mile anyway (but it’s still totally fine if you only run 1 mile!)
What are your running motivation secrets? Tell us in the comments!
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5 Ways to Make Running a Habit
20 Useful Running Tips to Make Running Easier
