Tips to remain motivated!

Motivation naturally comes and goes. Some days it’s easy to lace up your shoes and get out the door; other days it can feel like a real battle. That’s completely normal.

The key is finding ways to keep motivation high enough to train consistently — and most importantly, to enjoy the process. Here are some of my top tips.

Nothing boosts motivation quite like having a race in the calendar. Knowing you’ve got a start line waiting often makes the difference between getting the run done and putting it off — and we all know that “later” can easily turn into “never.”

It doesn’t need to be a goal race. In fact, entering out-of-season races where you’re not chasing a PB can be hugely beneficial. They give your training purpose without pressure. While it’s important to target a few key races where you aim to peak and hit specific times, it’s equally valuable to take some races in your stride. You simply can’t peak all year round.

If entering a race scares you, do it anyway. The worst that can happen is a bad race — and even that is better than no race at all. Every race is experience gained. Take the leap.

Training with others can be a massive motivation booster. You learn from those around you, and sessions often feel much easier in a group. Track workouts, intervals, tempo runs, hill sessions, and especially long runs all fly by quicker when you’re not doing them alone.

Group training also adds accountability. If you’ve agreed to meet someone, you’re far more likely to show up. Once group runs become part of your weekly routine, consistency improves — and results usually follow.

It’s also much easier to suffer together than alone. During tough interval sessions, knowing everyone else is hurting too somehow makes it more manageable.

If you don’t have a local club, or you’d like to join the community I started, Best Athletics, you’re more than welcome. We have members across the UK and around the world. The support, encouragement, and positive energy in the group are powerful, and I’ve seen motivation levels skyrocket when runners find the right community.

Let’s be honest — runners love gear.

Treat yourself to something you genuinely like, whether that’s a new pair of shoes, a watch, or some fresh kit. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Even small sacrifices elsewhere can be worth it if it helps you enjoy running more.

There’s something about new shoes or kit that makes getting out the door that bit easier. Sometimes you need to feel the part to run the part — and a small reward can go a long way.

Accountability is powerful. If you have a coach checking in on your training — or even just a structured plan telling you what to do — you’re far more likely to stay consistent.

Seeing progress from structured training is incredibly motivating in itself. And if a coach isn’t an option right now, there are plenty of affordable training plans available online.

I’ve created a series of training guides on Strava covering 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon distances. If you’re currently training without a plan, I highly recommend following one.

Healthy competition is a good thing — as long as it comes from the right place. Surround yourself with like-minded runners who genuinely want to see you succeed.

The best training partners celebrate your wins, support you through tough sessions, and push you to be better — and you should do the same for them. Running can be hard enough; kindness and encouragement go a long way.

Most athletes share their training on Strava these days. Follow runners who inspire you — whether they’re professionals, sub-elites, faster than you, or even slower than you.

If their training motivates you, they’re worth following. Seeing others put in the work can spark curiosity, inspire new sessions, or simply give you that extra push to get your own run done. A bit of friendly competition can be a great motivator.

Set weekly goals for yourself and let that momentum build.

I hope these tips help keep you motivated.

Start the year strong — and keep going. The hardest part is getting started. Once you build a routine, it becomes much easier. Together, we grow.

Onwards and upwards,
Coach Nick