Motivation
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

Recently at a local race, someone asked me what they could do to stay motivated while preparing for the Detroit Free Press Marathon.   I gave her a few tips then promised to gather thoughts from other experts.

My tips: I've found many ways to motivate myself while preparing for a marathon. Signing up early was one.   Once I put my money down I felt committed and it improved my focus during marathon training.

Enlisting family, friends and co-workers into my plans makes a difference. The awareness of others was like having an instant fan base. I was constantly asked, "What's your next race?"   Months later it would be, "How's your training going for the Free Press Marathon? I always posted the entry form on my refrigerator and somewhere in my office to remind me of my goal.

Flint running-store owner Mark Bauman has completed every Detroit Free Press Marathon. He has run 37 consecutive Boston Marathons.   Bauman has found that many runners are motivated by 5 or 10 year birthdays. "I try to motivate some runners by getting them to pick out a race and train for it.  For some people it may get them out the door 3 or 4 times a week rather than just 2."

Bauman has found that runners who join a group or find a training partner have an easier time staying motivated. "One of the local high schools has parents run at the same time as the kids to keep them working out consistently.

Fellow Motor City Strider, Maggy Zidar can be seen at races almost every weekend. She has completed 106 marathons. She lists her top five motivators:

The personal challenge: "All of us remember our first marathon, the mystery of the experience and the outcome. I try to recapture that before each marathon.  We can't all conquer the distance in world record times but we can set personal goals.  I've run all my marathons under 4 hours, several under 3:30, I work to keep my streak alive.  Sometimes another candle on the cake doesn't necessarily mean a slower time. It's always exciting to be a year older and maintain the same pace or even run faster."

Family and friends: "My dad, a fierce competitor on the golf course, was thrilled to see the competitor emerge in me when I began running at the age of 30.  He predicted that I would run Boston; I've now run ten Bostons.  He was there for the first one, and his spirit is now safely tucked in my heart when I run, especially when I run marathons.  My mother accompanied me to many marathons when she was able."

"I have dear running and non-running friends I never would have met were it not for running. They continue to inspire and support me.  All have understood the passion that running has brought to my life."

Spectators: "It's quite remarkable to run a marathon in cities like Boston, Columbus, and Detroit, to make eye contact with complete strangers who willingly stand on street corners in all types of weather and cheer on thousands of runners.  I feel energized by the magic of this experience and wish other people could feel the humanity of such moments."

Volunteers: "They are the backbone of any race, but especially of the marathon distance.  I try to thank as many of them as possible during the race and at the finish line.  How can runners NOT be motivated by such unselfish contributions. One hug from Dolores Hensley provides at least a year of uninterrupted motivation."

Food & drink: "Only after a marathon can I eat and drink guilt-free!"

Gerard "Coach GP" Pearlberg is the author of "Run Tall, Run Easy: The Ultimate Guide to Better Running Mechanics."   He has found that runners stay motivated when they follow a safe and effective training program that enable them to stretch their boundaries while allowing appropriate levels of adaptation.

"The more skilled we become in various aspects of our running, the better runner we become and the more motivated we will be."

Contact Doug Kurtis at Detroit Free Press, 600 W. Fort St. Detroit, 48226