In this age of Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and more, it seems there’s no shortage of inspiration to go around. Everyone loves a good quote, right? There’s always something to tell you to push harder and not give in, but not every run and every race calls for the same type of motivation. Next time you face one of these challenging situations, think of the following:
When you want to relax and have fun during a race and not give into the PR pressure: “A journey is best measured in friends, rather than in miles.” – Timothy Cahill
When you’re going through a tough time and just need to put one foot in front of the other: "Like a prayer, but without a specific petition, running called me to quiet my thoughts. I kept it up, aware of all the things I was running from, and still having no idea what I was running toward." – Cami Ostman
When the finish line seems so far away: “Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must, just never give up.” – Dean Karnazes
When you’re staring up at a monstrous hill: ““Struggle is the food from which change is made, and the best time to make the most of a struggle is when it's right in front of your face.” – Danny Dreyer
When you feel like you’re not a “real” runner: “If you don't think you were born to run you're not only denying history. You're denying who you are.” – Christopher McDougall
When you’re injured and can’t run: “Whatever you may be missing right now - a person, a place, a feeling, maybe you are injured and missing running - whatever it is, have peace and take heart - remember that any goodbye makes room for a hello.” – Kristin Armstrong
When you’re about to tackle the last long run of your training season: “What I've learned from running is that the time to push hard is when you're hurting like crazy and you want to give up. Success is often just around the corner.” – James Dyson
When you had a bad workout the day before but have to get back out there: “Every day is a fresh start; don't measure yourself by yesterday's troubles.” –Dagny Scott Barrios
When you just don’t want to get out the door after a long day at work: “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier
When you’re gearing up for your first 26.2: “If you want to run, then run a mile. If you want to experience another life, run a marathon.” – Emil Zatopek