Motivation for running

Intrinsic and extrinsic viewpoints while running
At a simple level, people's motives for running may be seen from an intrinsic or extrinsic viewpoint. Someone who has intrinsic motivation for  running may get satisfaction from jogging around their preferred route on a warm, clear day. Someone with an extrinsic perspective  may run the same course but have in mind their ultimate aim of finishing top of their age category in an upcoming race.

From an intrinsic perspective there is a basic joy that is inherent in the simple act of running. Going for a run has the ability to invigorate your senses through experiencing the natural landscape, feeling the breeze on your face, listening to the rustle of the leaves in the trees or noticing the contours of the varied terrain under your feet. Extrinsic people are attracted by the challenge of running, where they are responsible for planning and achieving their aims. Of course, many runners have a combination of both intrinsic and extrinsic running outlooks.

Escaping through running
You can be motivated to run by a desire to get away from the stresses of everyday life. It's quite common for the new runner to feel the weight of the world disappear from  their shoulders as their frustrations, anxiety and burdens are forgotten. Going for a run  also creates necessary mind space in which new ideas can be created and older ones can be viewed in a new light.

Improving your mental alertness through running
Going for a run during your lunchtime not only gives you physical benefits but will also enhance your level of mental clarity and alertness.

Looking good through running
Some people are motivated to train by the chance to wear the most up-to-date running clothing and shoes. The world's top running companies do a fantastic job in supplying a plethora of styles, colours, sizes, fabrics and other options and accessories to wear or use while running.

Running because you love food!
Your can use running to justify your intake of delicious foods and drinks such as coffee, chocolate and beer. Running will trigger the production of aerobic enzymes that are designed to stimulate your appetite and make your food and drink taste great. The heightened metabolic rate induced by running will allow you, if you want, to consume more generous portions.

Running events
Another motivator for running is the physical challenge of attempting new training routes and competing in new races. In the UK, we are lucky enough to be able to run on a diverse array of terrain and have a range of events to choose from. The Flora London Marathon is the big one that many want to run in, but the adidas Silverstone  Half Marathon and many others are now at the top of runners' 'must do' lists.

The runner's high
The release of endorphins after a run is widely recognised as a great motivator for running. The so-called 'runner's high' is a powerful and satisfying psychological state of being often experienced by a runner after a good race or training session. The feeling is usually a combination of satisfaction, tiredness and elation.

Spiritual motivation for running
From a metaphysical perspective, some people think running provides motivation on a spiritual level. Sri Chinmoy is the leader of a spiritual ideology that champions meditation as the root of inner strength and incredible spiritual power. Tapping into one's inner peace and joy  via meditation, so the philosophy goes, can greatly increase your capacity to run. Those who follow Sri Chinmoy's ideas talk about the enriching journey of inner growth and self-discovery  that the special challenge of running can create.

Socialising
Running can be a social activity if you train with a club or run in races. It will give you the opportunity to meet like-minded people and develop new friendships. It's not a coincidence that many people travel to the marathons in major cities around the world to be part of the 'ultimate' running experience: competing in a marathon. This includes a special understanding between runners and a mutual respect of the commitment needed to keep training for running.

People give a wide range of reasons why they begin running, and indeed continue to run. However, maybe the greatest motivator is that running can provide you with many life-changing experiences and help you to grow as a person. Whatever your motivators are, enjoy your running!