Flying south for the winter.

It’s been damn cold lately, especially at 6 a.m. Couple that with the fact that I’m finally starting to feel better and trying to get back to my regularly scheduled training plan, and you might be able to see why my motivation has been slipping a little. It’s still there somewhere, but sometimes it really helps to find some external motivation as well.

When it’s cold out and you don’t really want to go run, it helps to think about the payoffs down the road. Maybe you won’t enjoy this run as much as others, but you will enjoy what you’re building up to in the future. Running teaches patience, and I think that patience can help you become a better runner. Check out this blog post from Runner’s World‘s daily blog: http://rwdaily.runnersworld.com/2010/12/all-we-need-is-just-a-little-patience.html

Maybe you think you can’t do it, that you’re not cut out for running. Well you’re capable of a lot more than you think. Here’s a reminder of that:

Feeling worn down lately? Are your legs too sore? Strength Running has a great article about how running through soreness and fatigue can help you become a better runner. http://strengthrunning.com/2010/12/running-through-fatigue-should-you-run-after-a-hard-workout/

Need more motivation? Runner’s World has 101 tips to get motivated to run.

And just for good measure, here are a few more videos that might get you back out there.

Oh, and one last thing: exercise can reduce depression.