Category Archives: Motivation

Load Up your iPod: Favorite Podcasts

Whether you are or aren’t a regular music listener during your runs, everyone can use a little entertaining distraction on days when the motivation is low but the will is high. We hardly ever run with music but on the occassions when we do slap in the earbuds, it’s usually to listen to one of our favorite running, fitness or news podcast. Here’s our list that keeps our iPods full. If you have a favorite podcast let us know at editor@rrrrun.com

Marathon Training Academy
Husband and wife duo Angie and Trevor offer up an hour long podcast covering all things running, marathons, training and nutrition. Dedicated marathoner Angie keeps her recently converted runner husband inspired, motivated and informed along with their listeners. Their lively banter and interesting topics make their podcast a light and happy listen. Sign up Angie’s coaching program or check out some of their free online training plans.

Tri Swim Coach Triathlon Swimming
Kevin Koskella covers all things swimming and triathlons. An experienced coach he answers questions, gives advice and interviews an assortment of triathletes. Though he focuses on swimming, anyone thinking about or training for a triathlon should check out his podcast. Check out his training program if you’re interested in his coaching programs as well.

This American Life
Sometimes poignant, sometimes hilarious, sometimes heart-wrenching and sometimes all of the above, This American Life is the long running weekly radio show hosted by Ira Glass, broadcast through Public Radio International. The free podcast version of the show is a must for anyone who loves real stories, memoirs or hard hitting journalistic stories. This is one of my favorite shows and podcasts of all time and has kept me glued to my iPod long after a run.

 Jillian Michaels Podcast
Our favorite former trainer from The Biggest Loser brings her sass to the airwaves with her funny and informative podcast. Jillian’s passion for fitness and healthy living comes through while letting that tough love personality we all know and love shine through.

Ben Greenfield Fitness

If you’re looking for a power packed podcast full of in-depth information covering topics from nutrition, triathlon and a plethora of concise information look no further than the Ben Greenfield Fitnesspodcast. Ben is a triathlon coach and Ironman and will get into the nitty gritty of everything and anything triathlon, running or swimming related. Each episode covers a variety of topics interspersed with interviews, questions, answers and Ben’s advice.

via lululemon lab

Extrinsic Versus Intrinsic Motivation

Next time you are on a run do some deep thinking. Dig deep through your abandoned thoughts, plunge into dark places and fuzzy memories and be completely honest with yourself. Because here is where the truth lies. Where the roads may diverge from what you believe, where agendas are exposed, iPods are turned up or down or off, where we dig deep inside and ask ourselves what motivates us. What really really motivates us to exercise.

The answer may lie in how you categorize your motivation; intrinsic (internal) or extrinsic (external). Recognize who you are and know that with time, patience and willpower, the extrinsic runner can become an intrinsic soul runner too.

EXTRINSIC
The extrinsic runner seeks external validation and reward for her accomplishments. She enters a race seeking prestige, material gain, the opportunity to beat other people or to brag. When an extrinsic runner hits an obstacle during training or a race they may not have the internal motivation to keep going and may give up.

INTRINSIC
Intrisically motivatived runners hit the pavement for themselves, for the joy of running and can usually sustain themselves farther through the ups and downs of a race better than the extrinsic runner can. They let their internal goals drive them towards succcess and tend to hold themselves accountable for everything. The intrinsically motivated runner has a resillence deep inside them that helps them overcome obstacles or arise in the pre-dawn for a run.

If you need a little help becoming an intrinsic runner, find more tips here:

Developing Intrinsic Motivation, Running Times
Maintaining Your Mind Motor, Running Times