How to Run When You Don’t Feel Like It…..

It’s funny isn’t it… some days the motivation is there, and other days it feels like a complete chore just to get yourself out the door.

And I’ve noticed this about myself— even when I don’t feel like going, if I skip a run, my mood is always worse than if I’d just gone.

It’s never really the run I regret… it’s the ones I didn’t do.

Life gets in the way sometimes… but that’s life.

Work, being tired, plans changing—there’s always something. And most of the time, it’s not that you can’t go… it’s just that it feels harder than it should.

I think we put a lot of pressure on motivation, like we’re supposed to feel ready every time.

But the reality is… you won’t. And that’s completely normal.

I’ve realised it’s not about forcing yourself—it’s about removing the barriers that make it feel like a chore.

Small things make a difference.

For example:

• Laying your kit out the night before

• Taking your running stuff to work so you don’t go home first

• Not giving yourself too much time to overthink it

Because the longer you think about it… the easier it is to talk yourself out of it.

Not every run has to be perfect!

You don’t need to go out and do your longest run, and you don’t need to hit a certain pace.

You don’t even need it to feel good.

A shorter, good run is always better than a longer one that feels like a struggle.

Sometimes it’s better to finish thinking: “I could have done more”

Instead of: “I wish I didn’t go at all”

There are definitely times where it’s not motivation… it’s just boredom.

Same route, same routine, same everything.

And it stops feeling enjoyable.

That’s usually when I know I need to change something: Whether it be a different route, changing the music, or running at a different time of day.

You don’t hate running…you just might be a bit bored of how you’re doing it.

One thing that really helps is not relying on just yourself.

Run with someone if you can, tell someone you’re going. Or even join a local running club.

Most clubs have different pace groups and are a lot more welcoming than people expect.

It just adds that bit of accountability— because it’s always easier to cancel on yourself than someone else.

For me, one of the biggest things is having a rough plan.

Not always exact, but knowing: the distance I’m aiming for, or the route I’m going to take.

It just removes that moment of standing there thinking: “what am I even doing today?”

And that small bit of clarity makes it easier to start.

Start again (without overthinking it)

You don’t need to restart perfectly. You don’t need a full plan, and you don’t need everything to line up.

You just need to go— even if it’s shorter, slower, or not what you planned.

That’s how you build consistency again.

This is exactly why I put together a free running reset.

It’s nothing over the top— just something simple to help you get out the door, feel a bit more organised, and take that pressure off.

I’m not saying it’s foolproof… but even small changes can have a bigger impact than you think.

If you want it, you can find it here: 👉 (Motivated To Run)