It’s all about the baby steps 🙂
For a few weeks now, I’ve had serious trouble staying motivated and getting out to run. Mostly, it’s been the hard days that I’ve skipped. Which is so silly, bc the hard days are the ones that get you the PRs! Anyhow, I realized last week, that a great motivator for me is new things.
New shoes? Sure, I’ll go for a 6 mile run to come back to that!
New compression socks? Well, I’ll go for a run to test them out!
I clearly like receiving things in exchange for a run. So, if it’s not broken, why fix it? Just work with it! And work with it, I did! I promised myself, that if I did a speed day AND a recovery run this week, I could earn a new pair of compression socks. I did my tempo run yesterday. Although it sucked (ALOT), I powered through, thinking about my new sweet socks. So this afternoon, around 4:30, when all I wanted to do was fall asleep, I quickly thought of those colorful compression socks. And then I went out for a run 🙂
And now, a new pair of compression socks will be mine! 🙂 Which color should I get? Blue? Green?
So you see, that simple step has me one step closer to my race goal. Which, btw, has been altered a bit. Originally, my goal was to get a PR for the GW Parkway Classic. Last year, I finished in 1:27, so this year I wanted to go under that. Since I don’t think my body is where it was last year, I’ve changed it to just go under 1:30, which is about a 9min/mile pace. 1:27 would be great, but I’m not willing to hurt myself for this PR. I still have MCM to look forward to!
AND, if I go under 1:30, I will have earned myself a new running watch! I’m already doing lots of research in preparation!
Granted this new method of motivation will prob make me poor really quickly, but it will also make me run! And a running Daphne is a happy Daphne! 🙂
Candy Coated Runner 
YAY! The MCM 🙂 I’m excited too because it’s the last big marathon I haven’t run yet (other than NYC). And I need more compression socks. I have one pair and wear them over and over but they’re just white and not a fun color like pink
Go buy more! There’s a coupon code from SkinnyRunner’s blog that you can use for $20 off! http://skinnyrunner.com/2012/04/10/this-is-sorta-big/
I am JUST like you, i am constantly bribing myself to run. and those pro compression socks are awesome – i have 3 pairs!!
Haha if I keep this up, I’m going to have more than 3 pairs soon too!
Bribing yourself is a pretty great way to keep yourself motivated! 😉 i know too because I also have those compressions socks (black, and pink) and I bought them when i said i was going to be “serious” with my training- therefore I needed “serious” running things! 😉
I have just started this bribery thing with myself and it’s working. I even start thinking about little things to reward myself with during my run if I can make it to a certain place by a certain time. Compression socks…maybe it’s time to add those to my list of treats.
Yes! I love bribing myself with new gear! I think I might be due for something new again!