Lost your mojo? Here’s how to find it again. – By Jeff Galloway

If you’re a runner, there’s one more certainty in your life beyond death and taxes: occasional bouts of low motivation. It’s normal to feel like bailing from a run once in a while. Maybe you’re tired, or it’s raining, or you’d rather watch TV. However, if you fight the urge to loaf, you’ll reap many mental and physical benefits. Employ any of these tactics when you don’t feel like lacing up – you’ll be glad you did.

CHANGE YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Even a small tweak – like running a familiar route in reverse – can make a run more interesting. If another run through your neighbourhood doesn’t excite you, try a new park or trail. Even better, arrange to meet a friend there – you can’t bail if someone’s waiting for you.

CHANGE YOUR PACE

Add short bursts of speed to a normal run, and it will literally go by faster. Try this: after run-walking for five minutes, pick a landmark up ahead and run at a comfortably hard pace until you pass it. Then, walk until you catch your breath, start jogging again, and choose another landmark. Repeat until you’re near the route’s end; finish with a five-minute, easy-effort cooldown.

CHANGE YOUR ROUTINE

Any activity that raises your heart rate can be substituted on days when running doesn’t appeal to you. Try swimming, cycling, rowing, or using the elliptical. A circuit workout – alternating bouts of cardio with simple strength moves – can also be effective if your heart rate remains elevated.

CHANGE YOUR MIND

Make a deal with yourself to run for just five minutes. Most probably, once you’re out the door, you’ll want to continue. If not, maybe you do need a rest day – and now you know for sure.

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