Hello, I am new to this board.  I started running in January of this year.  I have done a 10k, 5k and did my first half marathon in September in 2 hrs 33.  I found the last 3 miles really hard work so I know I need to do more speed work and longer runs.

I really struggle with the motivation to go out and do long runs.  Once I finish I feel great but find running for that length of time hardwork.  I am doing another half marthon on the 3rd January on a flat course so I am hoping to improve my time but need to get motivated for these long runs.  Does anyone have any tips?

Thank you.

H xxx

Hi Helen, and welcome to the board.

Wow you have come a long way since January haven't you!  Well done you have achieved some great things so far.

Mmmm now long run motivation.  You see I really like my long runs, I even run the same route pretty much and still don't get bored.  I am usually trying to get home for a certain time so just keep plodding along.  But I do listen to my ipod, that helps.  I try to mentally break the run down into lumps.  I have points along my route when I know how far I have gone, and just concentrate on the next.  ie the first 3 miles are flat/downhill for me, so I concentrate on getting that out of the way, then I turn and run the opposite direction on another road, and by the time I have completed that part, with a nasty hill, I am over half way etc etc.

For some reason my mind really wanders when I run and i just think about lots of random things and get carried away.  I have read some people do things like count, recite the alphabet backwards, etc.  I don't need to do that, but you could try?

I am sure others will come up with some tips too. 

Keep posting and happy running.

x

Ditto Lucy with welcome to the board etc

Why not promise yourself a reward every for 50 miles (or whatever your target is) you run. You can use your long runs as an excuse to knock some milage off before you get your reward (be it a new piece of kit/a facial/new dress....whatever is a treat for you).

Just keep a note of your milage each run and think how much closer you'll be to your target if you knock 10 miles of in 1 run rather than spread it over 2/3 runs.

Personally I hate long runs and have never motivated myself to run more than 8 miles! (and that was a 1 off ;o) ). I tend to run with a running club as motivation is my biggest enemy and without somone picking me up each week I doubt I'd go out at all some weeks!!

Clair