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what motivates you?

Now that I’m at my parents’ house in Hingham for a few days around Christmas I decided to take advantage and go for a run in Bare Cove Park with my parents’ dog, Damon. He got so excited as soon as he saw me in my sneakers and rushed to the car. Once we got close to the park, he started squealing with excitement. However, before we got to the point where he can go without a leash, he bolted back to the car! I felt too bad to leave him in the car while I ran, so I brought him home and relocated my run to Main Street. 

On Main Street I can run an even 4 mile run to the Cracker Barrel and back to my parents house. Just a few minutes into my run, a man came from a side street to run behind me. I let him pass and followed him most of the way to the Cracker Barrel. He kept going and I stretched a bit before starting again. I stopped to pull a rock out of my shoe and he passed again, going back the way we came. Before I even registered his neon jacket he shouted, “you still going?” I wasn’t going to let this guy think I quit so I started again as soon as the rock was out of my shoe. It got me thinking about motivation. Normally, the feeling of a great workout, the sweat on my skin and knowing that I’m strengthening my body is enough motivation. However, sometimes it’s not. Some days you need outside forces and a lot of the time I find it in other people. One of the reasons I used to hate (but now love) running on Main Street is because anyone I know can (and probably will) drive by and see me running. If I’m walking, they will know. Other outside motivation is limiting the time I have to workout, knowing that if I stop, I’ll be late for whatever is next on my schedule. I also use this blog, or speaking to my boyfriend as motivation not to cut my workout short. If he knows I plan to run 5 and only run 4, he won’t care, but I will be upset so it motivates me to keep going. 

Though it may seem like this outside motivation is mainly based on shame, it’s more about pride. I have pride in what I do and want other people to know as well. On the days that I need that extra reason, this outside motivation is greatly appreciated. What types of outside factors motivate you?

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community

After running this morning’s 18 mile training run with the New York Road Runners I was stretching and thought of how valuable my running community is to me. When I was a senior in high school, I was chosen to speak at our annual Leadership Retreat. There were several topics that various seniors would be asked to address and I was given “community.” Now, 7 years later, it amazes me how NDA understood long before I did how important communities are in my life. Since leaving my NDA community, it has maintained a large part of my life. It is joined by other communities, such as my family, BU, New York, the advertising community and, most recently, runners. 

In its own unique way, my running community is like many of my communities in that it provides education, support and motivation. I am constantly learning new things from other runners and try to contribute as well. Everyone is always so open to learning from the experiences of others. Often this knowledge turns into support, learning how others have reached various goals has helped me reach my own. Running 18 miles this morning was significantly more enjoyable surrounded by other New York Road Runners all trying for the same goals. Each time I go out to run, I come across someone who has faced challenges far beyond my own, whether it be a physical disability or a struggle with cancer, and they are out there, running and giving it their all. Seeing them putting one foot ahead of the other just as I am is so incredibly motivating. It inspires me to push beyond slight pains or inconveniences and to be my best. Without these members of my community, I know I would not be the runner or person I am today. I hope that through a positive attitude and kindness I am able to contribute to my community and inspire others.