Quick intro to the importance of understanding the psychology behind motivation. So many of are used to using google to get quick answers. But how many times have you scrolled through an article and thought well none of this relates to me.. When it comes to concepts like motivation, I think we are much better off taking a moment to understand ourselves and go from there.

Why are you exercising? Why are you running? Watch this video to find out more about extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. Look at it as a continuum and try to place yourself. Next up, I will be talking about psychologically underpinned strategies.

This video explains 1/3 of the components to increased motivation. This seemingly easy source of our motivation is so important! You have to feel competent to be able to enjoy your runs. Whether it is goal setting through your training plan or setting goals to use during your run - please don’t overlook it just because it might be “mainstream”. I’ve created some free and downloadable goal setting templates which you can find on my website. Hope you enjoyed the video and let me know your thoughts!

This video explains the second (out of three) component of my favourite psychological theory. Have you ever wondered why you don’t feel as motivated by other people’s goals? By goals that other people have set for you? - the simple answer is: because they are not yours! Long story short, last summer a 65km running race was announced. After thinking about it for a few hours (I make rash decisions), I said to my mum as she was driving me to the airport that I am going to do it. She was obviously very happy about this. Then I told my boyfriend whose response was: - Great, I’m in. I asked: - are you going to support me on a bike? He replied: - no I’m in, as in to run it as well. Then suddenly I wasn’t as excited. I thought, I must be so selfish to think this way. He started signing us up for races which is amazing planning on his end but somehow it didn’t feel right to me anymore. I had to sit down and think about this, draw up my own plan to see if it can align with his. I altered my plans along the way so that it fits me. We still have the same long term goal but we are doing it with separate plans, separate process goals. Autonomy is not to be underestimated.

Why do we enjoy exercising more when we are with others? Why do we run faster and for longer distances when we are accompanied by our friends? Because it is our innate need to feel connected to others! This sense of belonging will increase your motivation to push yourself further. Join running groups, join virtual races and “real” races when “normal” life resumes. This source of motivation is the easiest to influence so make the most of it.