While I often hear from people that they find it hard to stay motivated to run and walk in the snow and chilly winter temps, I truly find it hardest to stay consistent with my running routine in the summer.
Sure, the summer sunshine is a very pleasant influence to get outside.
But that sunshine looks even more appealing from the beach staring at Lake Michigan or sipping on a cool drink on a patio! Plus, I’ve got so many visitors and northern Michigan summer bucket list activities that can often seem to take precedent over my usual walking or running route.
There’s no one magic formula to keep yourself motivated to keep up your running and/ or walking stride during our magical summer months. But I hope one or more of these top tips will help you hit your summer stride!
1) Get a buddy!
Accountability buddies work for all sorts of situations where you’re trying to keep up a habit, but I find it particularly helpful when planning a run or a walk. I’d shift a solo session around any day or skip it altogether if my motivation is low, but it would take a lot for me to cancel plans on a friend! Group runs/ walks work great too! The Traverse City Track club meets every Monday evening (through August, Wednesday nights starting in September) for a free fun run that welcomes all paces and abilities. Knowing they’ll be other people moving alongside you can be encouraging, and we pre-plan a route for you – all you have to do is show up!
2) Mix it up!
It can be tempting to stick to the same route, and it’s OK to have go-to’s. Mine is the Boardman Lake Loop. However, sometimes it’s nice to find a new route or area to explore to help keep things fresh. Also run on a paved path? Try a trail run! (TCTC hosts a free trail run the third Thursday of every month.) Or rather than running/ walking for a set distance, try interval paces. If you need ideas or inspiration, join us for one of our remaining Summer Series events on Wednesday evenings. These free runs take a different format every week to help add variety to your summer running. And if all else fails, maybe just take the Boardman Loop the opposite direction?
3) Sign up for a race!
Whether it’s a 5k to raise money for a good cause or a longer distance like a 10k or half marathon, signing up for a race a couple of months in the future is a great way to put on your running shoes even when you might not feel like it. Training plans for races are also a super helpful way to stay consistent. Whether your goal is completing the event or hitting a certain time, the Traverse City Track Club has a Training Program which includes a personalized training plan from a certified coach, mentor-led group runs, training/nutrition advice, and TCTC training swag, amongst other benefits. Most importantly, our training programs include an encouraging and supportive group of runners looking to help you achieve your running goals. We also have a unique fall race coming up, the Farmland 5k, if you’re looking for a local race to set your sights on!
4) Make it an adventure
We are lucky to have so many amazing trails in our region. When we have a little more time, my family and I will plan a hike somewhere new, whether it’s an unexplored area of the TART trails or a county or state park.
Usually, we make a day of it by planning a special breakfast or lunch stop so we don’t mind having a drive as much. Better yet, add in a nearby beach or outdoor patio to enjoy after you carve out that time for the run, walk, or hike!
Using a run or a walk as a vehicle for exploring new areas in our community is such a fun way to take advantage of the summer scenery while we stay active.