I did NOT want to run last night.

I’d planned another evening run to prep for this weekend’s Twilight 10K, but by 4 PM, I was already getting tired. At 8 PM, the weather was absolutely perfect, but my mindset was not. I was exhausted, my stomach didn’t feel great, and the process of getting myself out the door for a run just felt so monumental.

The run was supposed to be an 8-miler, but by the time I actually left, I’d bargained myself down to 3. I told myself I’d try to get the 8 in tomorrow instead.

The funny thing is that I like running—generally. When the conditions are perfect (I’m not too hot/cold/tired/hungry/full), it can be so refreshing, soothing, and even easy.

But I also have an extremely comfortable couch and a very convincing internal justification dialogue. And, let’s face it, the conditions are rarely perfect.

Over the years, I’ve had to use a lot of mind tricks to get myself out the door to run. Once I’m out the door, I’m almost always fine—and even if I’m not, I never regret trying.

Here’s a list of some of the things that have worked for me…

1. Tell yourself: “Just 15 minutes, and if it sucks, you can quit.” Don’t get stuck in the “I have to go 5 miles or it doesn’t count” mentality.

2. Vary your means. Once, I made it through what felt like a daunting 10-mile run by doing 5 miles outside and 5 on the treadmill. For some reason, it seemed easier. You can also make long runs feel less intimidating by doing multiple short out-and-backs, rather than one long one. This way, if you get tired, you’re never that far away from home base. (That’s what you tell yourself anyway…)

3. Visualize how you’ll feel when you get back. Picture what you’ll do, in detail. Think about how proud of yourself you’ll be and how much more deserved your post-run leisurely activities will feel.

4. Go somewhere beautiful. Drive to a park or conservatory. Google trails in your area. Run along a lake (or, if it’s accessible—you lucky dog, you—a beach).

5. Make it a means to an end. Run to get somewhere, rather than just running to run. (What a novel concept! Haha.) One time, I planned my running route to go past the movie rental store, where I picked up a new release to watch when I got home. It was somehow easier, knowing I just had to get there and back, versus completing a certain mileage.

6. Run public. Run along a busy road or hop on a treadmill at the gym. The peer pressure of thinking that people are watching you will egg you on.

7. Give yourself an unlimited walking pass. If you end up just going for a walk, oh well. At least you got out the door. But the chances that you’ll want to pick up the pace just to finish earlier (now that you’re out!) or that you’ll start feeling up for a run once you get going are pretty good.

8. Don’t overthink it. Just go. By the time you get done considering it, wallowing in your misery over the idea, slowly pulling our your running clothes, stalling with more stretching than necessary, and finally heading for the door, you probably could have already gone and come back. Plus, the more time you spend thinking about it, the greater the chance is that something could come up that prevents you from going. (Like, say, bedtime. Ha.)

9. Think of your body like a dog. (Stay with me…) Your body craves exercise and movement even when your brain is lazy and wants you to lay on the couch. So take your body out for a run the way you’d grudgingly take your dog for a walk even if you didn’t feel like it. It just has to be done.

10. Get fresh electronic entertainment. Download a new podcast, put new music on your playlist, rent a movie (if you have a TV/treadmill setup), etc. Find something you’ll be excited about, and reserve it for runs only.

11. Make yourself feel obligated. Get in your own face by setting reminders on your phone, including a “get ready to run!” reminder half an hour before you want to be out the door. Tell someone you’re planning on running later. Tweet about your upcoming run half an hour before you plan to leave.

Bonus: Bribe yourself. Nothing wrong with a little post-run congratulatory treat. (Ideally, not always food….)

In the end, I did make it out last night, and it wasn’t bad at all. I took advantage of #10 and popped a fresh Jillian podcast onto my iPod, and it was actually pretty entertaining. (Except for the parts when she’s awkwardly bantering with Janice—I can barely stand those.)

As expected, the movement woke me right up, and my stomach even calmed down. I came home still a little bummed about the 8-miler, but grateful that at least I got out and did something.

What tricks do you use to get yourself moving?

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